Gas meters: high bills or meter readings
What to do if you think your gas bills are high or gas meter is faulty.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Dealing with high gas bills
If your last bill was larger than expected there may be a reason:
- your energy supplier (the company sending the bills) has increased the cost of its gas
- your usage has risen, for example due to cold weather
- your boiler is not working properly and needs attention
- your bill is based on an actual meter reading, rather than an estimated reading
There are simple steps that might reduce your gas bills:
- switch to a cheaper tariff (buy your gas for less)
- run central heating only when your home is occupied
- have your boiler serviced to make sure it is working efficiently
- turn your thermostat down: even a degree or two can make a difference
- provide your own meter readings rather than accepting estimated meter readings
If you have considered the above and remain concerned about your gas bills, contact your energy supplier. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you have the right to contact the Energy Ombudsman.
Dealing with faulty gas meters
High gas bills may be due to a gas meter that is incorrectly recording the amount of gas you are using, but this is unusual.
While there is no simple way you can test whether your meter is accurate, if you are concerned about your meter readings, contact your energy supplier. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you have the right to request an independent test of your meter.
Although the test is free, you may have to pay your energy supplier for organising it if your meter is found to be working correctly, which was the case for the vast majority of meters tested in 2021.
Gas meters: independent testing of accuracy
If you can smell gas in your home call the National Grid Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999 immediately!