Metric or digital gas meters
Metric or digital gas meters record the amount of gas used in cubic metres (m3).
- Read the numbers from left to right.
- Only read the black and white numbers. Ignore any red numbers, as these are used for testing purposes.
Imperial or clock face gas meters
Imperial or clock face meters record the amount of gas used in cubic feet (ft3).
- Read the first four dials from left to right.
- Each dial revolves in a different direction from the one next to it, eg anti-clockwise, then clockwise.
- Note the number the pointer has just passed - eg if it is between 7 and 8, write down 7.
The example below shows a reading of 1394 ft3.
Calculate gas use and costs
To calculate how much gas has been used over a period of time, subtract the meter reading on the last bill, from the current meter reading.
Gas meters record the volume of gas used in your home. Digital meters record cubic metres and clock face meters record cubic feet
The energy use on your bill has been converted to megajoules (MJ).
If you want to calculate your gas use from reading your meter, you can convert it to megajoules by multiplying the cubic meters or cubic feet of gas used by the pressure factor and heating values found on a recent bill.
If you can't find the values on a bill, use these typical values for South Australia:
- pressure value is 1.0139
- heating value is 38.61 MJ/m3 for digital meters or 1.09 MJ/ft3 for clock face meters.
Use this formula:
- [difference between current and last readings] x [pressure factor] x [heating value] = MJ of gas used.
Costs
Multiplying the amount of gas used in your home by the tariff on your bill, will give you an indication of your energy costs.
- [Current meter reading – previous meter reading] x [tariff on your bill ] = estimated cost of gas used between readings.
You can also calculate your appliance running costs for specific appliances in your home or do a home energy audit to find out where energy is being used in your home.
Providing access to meters
Energy retailers must do their best to read meters as frequently as is required to prepare bills, but at least once every 12 months. You are required to provide clear and safe access to meters to allow them to be read.
Your retailer is allowed to estimate your energy consumption to prepare your bills, which they may do if they can’t access your meter. Estimated bills may lead to high bills if your usage is over-estimated, or large catch-up bills if your usage has been under-estimated - see Billing errors for more information.
If you fail to allow access to the electricity and/or gas meter for three consecutive scheduled meter readings, you risk having your energy service disconnected.
If accessing the meter at your home is difficult, eg it is inside your home or behind a locked gate, contact your retailer to negotiate a mutually convenient time for a meter reading.
Incorrect meter readings
Incorrect meter readings are a rare occurrence but can mean you receive a very high or abnormally low bill. See Billing errors for information.
Faulty meters
Meters are rarely found to be faulty. In most cases a high bill will accurately reflect your household’s energy use.
If you think your meter is faulty, you can ask your retailer to check it. If the meter is checked and found to be operating correctly, you will be billed an inspection charge.
If the meter is found to be faulty, your account will be adjusted accordingly and you should not be billed an inspection charge. If the retailer tries to charge you for inspecting a faulty meter, contact them to resolve the issue. If the retailer will not remove the charge, contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman SA.
