Scottish Power supplies home customers with two types of meters. The older imperial meters, show six dials, numbered from zero to nine---the final dial being highlighted red. They also supply newer digital electric meters which will eventually replace all imperial meters. Scottish Power offers two types of digital electric meter, according to the type of supply you have. There is "Rate 1" which will be identified as the "PS meter" and "Rate 2," which is identified as the "K" meter.

  • Scottish Power supplies home customers with two types of meters.
  • Scottish Power offers two types of digital electric meter, according to the type of supply you have.

Stand in front the meter and observe the display. If you know the "rate" you are on you will find it easier to identify the type of meter you have installed. If you do not know the rate, look at the meters serial number and identify it using the preceding letters of either "PS" or "K."

Note the six numbers that appear inside the digital display window. The first five numbers will be the main reading in "units" that have been used. These numbers will separately range from zero to nine, making up the total reading number. The sixth number is the partial unit ranging from zero to nine. For example, if you meter reads "24682-5," the "24682" part is the main reading and the "5" is the partial unit used.

  • Note the six numbers that appear inside the digital display window.
  • The first five numbers will be the main reading in "units" that have been used.

Write down the numbers as they appear ignoring any red numbers and convey them to Scottish Power via their Customer Service Website or over the telephone.

Read your "Rate 2" digital meter by reading the top level of the display. The "Low" rate is usually set for summer and this corresponds to the old "Economy 7" settings for summer time usage. The "Normal" reading is below the "Low" reading in the lower display window. This will correspond to the winter settings for the old "Economy 7" settings. In some cases the "Low" and "Normal" settings will also incorporate night and day usage---low being night time and normal being day time. Record both numbers, ignoring any in red.

Compare the current numbers to those on your bill from the last billing period. For example, your last reading might have been "24682-4" and your current reading might be "39793-3."

Minus the smaller number from the larger number to assess how many units you have used since your last bill. This will help you determine how much you are paying for the current period.

TIP

Bear in mind that electricity meters have a "Tolerance Level" which is determined by yearly average use for your own household. If the meter reads more or less than usual you may have used a different amount of units than in previous billing periods. If the meter is out of its tolerance level you will need to confirm that you have or have not been away for any lengthy period during the current billing cycle. You will not know the meter is out of tolerance level unless the adviser you speak to tells you. Tolerance levels are set in order to prevent electricity theft.