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How to Read Smart Meter for British Gas & Meterbox Solutions
Every home in Britain was offered a Smart Meter for British Gas or another major supplier as part of the UK’s national upgrade plan to help households monitor and reduce energy use. Whether you’re a homeowner, renting, using a prepay meter or running a small business (up to 10 employees), you can request a smart meter for free installation by your supplier. This nationwide smart meter rollout is part of the Smart Energy GB initiative to curb unnecessary energy waste and help households see exactly what they spend.
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a modern gas or electricity meter that automatically tracks your energy usage and sends accurate readings directly to your energy supplier. Unlike traditional meters, you no longer need to take manual readings or deal with estimated bills.
Why Should I get a Gas Smart Meter?
Having a Smart Meter for British Gas helps you keep an eye on your actual gas usage. Your smart meter’s in-home display makes it simple to see how much gas you’re using and how much it costs. Since your meter sends readings automatically, you’ll always pay for exactly what you use — no more estimated bills or manual meter checks.
Who Installs a Smart Meter For British Gas?
The installation process is quick and free. Your energy supplier — whether it’s British Gas, Bulb, EDF Energy, Scottish Power or another approved company — will send a qualified installer who has passed all required certifications. A new smart meter is usually fitted in the same spot as your old meter. If you need to upgrade or replace the meter box that protects your smart meter, MeterBoxesDirect offers universal smart gas meter boxes and covers to keep your meter secure, weatherproof and easy to access for maintenance.
How to Read a Smart Meter for British Gas
When your smart meter is installed, the engineer will normally show you how to use your in-home display and take manual readings if needed. But here’s a quick refresher on how to read a smart meter for British Gas:
On your in-home display:
- Press the red button to wake up the device.
- When the screen says “Credit On,” press the red button again.
- The display will show “METER INDEX” — this is your meter reading.
- Read the numbers left to right and ignore any figures after the decimal point.
On the smart meter itself (inside your meter box):
- Press the A button
- Keep pressing until you see “METER INDEX.”
- The number shown is your current gas meter reading.
Why the Right Meter Box Matters for Your Smart Meter
No matter which energy supplier you use, it’s your responsibility to make sure your smart meter stays protected and easy to access. Under the Gas Act 1996, the domestic meter box is part of your property and must be kept in good condition. At MeterBoxesDirect, we supply a full range of robust, weatherproof smart gas meter boxes and spare parts — including universal covers, replacement doors, hinges, locks, keys and more. If your existing box is damaged or too small for your new smart meter, we can help you choose a replacement that meets UK regulations. Explore products below:
