Every house has a gas meter and an electricity meter. Or just an electricity meter if you don't have gas. It might look a bit different to the picture.
Reading the meters
Gas meter
This counts how many units of gas you have used so far.
Electricity meter
This counts how many units of electricity you have used so far.
Electricity meter
This counts how many units of electricity you have used so far.
It will either be inside or on the wall outside.
Find out where the meters are in your house or flat.The meter counts how many units of gas or electricity you have used so far.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
Units
Things like gas and electricity are measured in units. This showed how much you have used.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
The gas and electricity companies will send someone round to read the meter.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
The meter reader will have a special card with the logo of the company they work for and with their name and number on it. This is is called an ID card.
Meter reader
The gas and electricity companies will send someone round to read the meter. This person is called a meter reader.
He or she will also have a hand-held computer to record the number of units you have used.
Units
Things like gas and electricity are measured in units. This showed how much you have used.
If the meter is on the outside they can read it without knocking on your door. If it is inside, they will have to ask to come in to read it.
If you are not in when they come round, they will guess what you have used. This is called an estimate.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
When you get your bill or your statement if you pay by Direct Debit, it will say estimate or just 'E'.
Bill
A piece of paper that says how much money you need to pay for something.
Statement
This is a piece of paper that shows you all the money that has been paid in to or taken out of your bank account, and how much you have left.
Direct Debit
This is when money goes straight from your bank account to pay a company. It normally means the same amount each month which the company works out.
Estimate
This is when a company will guess how much you owe them.
Estimate
This is when a company will guess how much you owe them.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
Be careful!
Sometimes a thief might pretend to be a meter reader, to come into people's houses and take their things.
Meter reader
The gas and electricity companies will send someone round to read the meter. This person is called a meter reader.
When someone comes round, look at their ID card and take down the name and number on it. Then close the door and make them wait outside.
ID
Definition of ID
Go and get your gas or electricity bill or statement and telephone the customer services number. Tell them the details from the card and ask if the person at the door is the right person.
You can also ask the gas or electricity company to make an appointment. Then you can have someone with you in the house on that day.
Gas and electricity company
They are the companies who supply your home with gas and electricity.