How to Read Your Gas Meter in Australia

Understanding your gas bill can feel tricky, but one of the ideal ways to get on top of your energy usage is to learn how to read your gas meter. It might seem like a small step, but knowing how much gas you’re using gives you the power to manage your consumption, ensure your bills are accurate, and find cheaper gas and electricity deals. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your gas meter in Australia. We'll cover what a gas meter is, how to find it, and the simple steps to read it correctly. By the end, you'll be able to confidently submit your own reading and take control of your energy costs. 

Key Takeaways 

• What is a gas meter? It’s a device that measures the amount of natural gas your household uses, which your energy provider uses to calculate your bill. 
• Why is it important? Reading your meter helps you verify your bills, especially if you’ve received an estimated bill. It also empowers you to track your usage and find better energy plan comparisons. 
• How to read it: Read the numbers from left to right, ignoring any red dials or numbers after a decimal point. 
• What if your bill is estimated? If a meter reader can't access your meter, you may get an estimated bill. You can submit your own reading to your provider to get a revised, more accurate bill. 

What is a Gas Meter? 

A gas meter is a device that measures the volume of natural gas your household consumes. Your energy provider uses the data from this meter to calculate your gas bill. Essentially, it tracks how much gas flows into your home for appliances like your stove, heater, and hot water system. 

Common Types of Gas Meters in Australia 

There are a few different types of gas meters you might find at your property in Australia. Here are the most common ones: 

• Metric Meters (Odometer or Digital): This is the most common type of gas meter in Australian homes. It has a display that looks like a car's odometer, showing numbers that tick over as you use gas. The reading is measured in cubic metres (m³). Some newer versions have a digital display. 

• Imperial Meters (Clock Face or Dial): These are older-style meters that are gradually being phased out. They have a series of small clock-like dials. Imperial meters measure gas in cubic feet (ft³), which is then converted to cubic metres on your bill. 

Unlike electricity meters, there are currently no "smart" gas meters that can be read remotely. This means a meter reader needs to physically visit your property to get a reading. 

How to Find and Safely Read Your Gas Meter 

Before you can read your meter, you need to find it. Here's where to look and how to stay safe. 

Where is my gas meter located? 

The location of your gas meter can vary depending on your type of home: 

• For houses, the gas meter is usually located on an exterior wall, often at the front or side of the property. Look for a metal box or a visible meter near the street. 
• For apartments, units, or townhouses, all the meters for the building are typically grouped together. Check common areas like the basement, car park, or a dedicated meter room or cabinet on your floor. Each meter should be labelled with the corresponding unit number. 
• In some older properties in NSW, the gas meter might be found inside, such as under the kitchen sink. 

If you’re having trouble locating your meter, your landlord or building manager should be able to help. 

Safety First: Tips for Accessing Your Meter 

Your safety is the top priority. Before you access your gas meter, remember these simple tips: 

• Clear the Area: Make sure there are no obstructions like overgrown shrubs, rubbish bins, or parked cars blocking the meter. 
• Watch for Hazards: Be mindful of insects, spiders, or other pests that might have made a home in or around the meter box. 
• Ensure Safe Access for Readers: Keeping the area around your meter clear not only helps you but also ensures that the official meter reader can access it safely. If they can't get to it, you might receive an estimated bill. 

How to Read Your Gas Meter: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Reading your gas meter is straightforward once you know which type you have. Always make sure you're reading the correct meter by matching the meter number to the one on your latest gas bill. 

How to Read a Metric Gas Meter (Odometer or Digital) 

This is the most common type of meter. 

1. Read the numbers from left to right. Include any leading zeros. 
2. Ignore any numbers in red or any digits that appear after a comma or decimal point. These are used for testing purposes and aren't part of your official reading. 

For example, if your meter shows 001613.45, your reading is 1613. 

How to Read an Imperial Gas Meter (Clock Face) 

These older meters look a bit more complicated, but the process is simple. 

1. Read the dials from left to right. 
2. Each dial turns in the opposite direction to the one next to it. 
3. If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower number. The only exception is if the pointer is between 9 and 0, in which case you should record 9. 
4. Ignore any extra dials, such as those labelled "½" or "2", as they are not used for billing. 

Why Your Bill Might Be Estimated (And What to Do) 

Your gas meter is typically read by your energy distributor every few months. However, sometimes the meter reader can't access your meter. This could be due to a locked gate, a pet in the yard, or other obstructions. 

When this happens, your energy provider will send you an estimated bill. This estimate is based on your past usage patterns. If your actual usage was lower than the estimate, you could end up overpaying. 

The good news is that you can fix this by submitting your own meter reading. Simply follow the steps above to read your meter and send the reading to your energy provider through their website or app. They will then issue a revised bill based on your actual usage. 

Your Gas Meter Number (MIRN) 

Your gas meter has a unique identification number called a Meter Installation Registration Number (MIRN). You can usually find this number printed on a label or barcode on the face of the meter. It's also listed on your gas bill. 

You'll need your MIRN when you're: 

• Switching to a new gas provider. 
• Setting up a new gas connection. 
• Resolving any billing discrepancies. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who reads my gas meter? 

Your local gas distributor is responsible for reading your meter. This is a separate company from your energy retailer (the company that sends you your bills). They send a meter reader to your property on a regular schedule, usually every two to three months. 

Can I request a new meter installation? 

Yes. If you're building a new home or need to replace an old or faulty meter, you can request a new installation. You should contact your energy provider to arrange this. 

Do LPG users need a gas meter? 

No. Homes that use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from bottles or tanks do not have a gas meter. You simply order new LPG bottles when you run low. Gas meters are only for homes connected to a natural gas network. 

How does my meter reading help me compare gas prices? 

Your meter reading shows your exact gas consumption. With this data, you can accurately calculate your usage and compare it against different gas plans and providers. Knowing your consumption patterns is crucial for finding the cheapest energy plans that match your household's needs. 

Take Control of Your Energy Bills 

Understanding how to read your gas meter is a simple yet powerful skill. It helps you keep your energy provider accountable, ensures you only pay for what you use, and gives you the knowledge to make smarter decisions about your energy consumption. By taking regular readings, you can better manage your budget and confidently engage in gas plan comparison to find the ideal deals. 

Ready to see if you could be saving money on your gas bill? Use your usage data to compare gas plans with electricityprovider.com.au and find a better deal today.