Gas is a reliable and responsive source of power, which could explain why more than two million Aussies use natural gas in their homes. Whether it’s for cooking, heating or powering certain appliances, gas has a range of useful functions and is cost-effective.
Households are not billed the same way for gas usage, however, as it depends on several factors. Canstar Blue explains in this guide.
How to read a gas meter
Before reading a gas meter, you’ll need to identify which type of meter your property is connected to – imperial or metric. Imperial gas meters tend to be a little trickier as you’ll need to read each dial, while metric gas meters look more like a car odometer.
Imperial gas meter reading
Take note of the pointer on each dial and record the numbers from left to right. If a pointer is positioned between two numbers on a dial, always read the lowest number. Some old imperial gas meters may have an additional two dials on the top or bottom which are for testing purposes only, so disregard them. Once you’ve noted the numbers from each dial, you’ll need to convert it from cubic feet into cubic metres, with one cubic metre roughly equal to 35.3ft3. The meter pictured below reads 7,205ft3, making it about 204M3.
Metric gas meter reading
The meter should have a display panel of about eight numbers with M3 (a reminder that this means cubic metres) next to it. Record each number from left to right, ignoring the numbers in red as these are for testing. You’ll need to move the decimal point within the sequence of numbers two spaces to the right. For example, it may read 17.225, which equals 1,722.5M3. The metric gas meter below reads 1,374 cubic metres.
How to read a gas meter in Victoria
According to Multinet Gas Networks, the gas distributor throughout Melbourne, a meter reader will attend the property every two months. However, if you are required to read your gas meter at other times, you must first locate your gas meter at the front of your property.
As previously mentioned, you will have either an imperial or metric gas meter. So once you have located the gas meter at the front of your property, read the digits on the meter dial from left to right including zeroes (for metric) or follow the instructions above for imperial gas meters. If there is a decimal point on your gas meter, you will only need to read the numbers to the left, which are usually white digits as compared to the red digits found after the decimal point. You may then need to send your gas meter read into MGN, which you can do by calling 1300 887 501 and providing the following:
- Name, address and phone number
- MIRN number (found on your gas bill)
- Meter number (found on your gas meter)
- Meter read
- Date the read was taken.
If MGN cannot gain access to read a gas meter, an estimated meter read will be provided to the retailer instead. The calculation is based on the household’s historic gas consumption which will then be updated with an actual read once completed.
How to read a gas meter NSW
Reading your gas meter in NSW is the same as reading a gas meter in Victoria.
Jemena, one of New South Wales’ gas distributors, offers an easier way to keep track of gas meter readings with its app Gas Meter Mate. Using this app, Jemena claims that customers will avoid bill shock from estimated gas meter readings, by allowing the user to input quick and accurate gas meter readings.
What is a gas meter?
A gas meter is a device that records natural gas consumption in households and businesses, which is then relayed to individual energy retailers for billing purposes. A property’s gas usage is measured in megajoules (MJ). Most gas appliances, such as ovens, will detail their energy consumption in terms of megajoules per hour (MJ/h), meaning an oven with an input of 20 MJ/h will use 20 MJs in one hour.
Gas meter types
The two main types of gas meters in Australia are imperial and metric meters. The type of gas meter connected to a property will depend on the gas pressure available in that specific area and the type of regulator, which is a component of a gas meter that lowers gas pressure. Here are the differences between the two gas meter types:
- Gas imperial meter: Measures gas usage in cubic feet (ft3) with multiple cyclonic, or circular, dials on the display. Gas imperial meters are being phased out and are normally found in older homes.
- Gas metric meter: Measures gas usage in cubic meters (M3) with a digital display of numbers on the panel. Newer homes will be equipped with a gas metric meter.
Where is my gas meter located?
The location of your gas meter will depend on what type of house you live in, as well as when the property was built. If you live in a stand-alone house, your gas meter would usually be positioned on a rear exterior wall or front porch, within proximity of your electricity meter. Older homes may have gas meters located in the garage, hallway, laundry or even under the kitchen sink.
For those living in apartments, townhouses or multi-dwelling buildings, your gas meter could be in the basement, carpark or under the kitchen sink. If your gas meter is located with the others in the building, be sure to look for your unit number. If you’re unsure of its location, contact your body corporate or talk to the building manager.
Who reads your gas meter?
Gas meter readings are carried out by your energy distributor – a company that owns and maintains the gas pipes and infrastructure in your region. Once a representative from the distributor has conducted a meter read, that information will be passed on to your energy retailer who looks after your bills. Distributors normally read gas meters every three months.
How do I find my gas meter number?
Your gas meter number should be listed somewhere on your gas bill, which matches the number that is physically imprinted on your gas meter. Typically, your gas meter number will be located on a faceplate in plain sight, either on top or the bottom of the meter. In NSW, gas meter numbers usually begin with two letters followed by six numbers (e.g. AB123456), while in Victoria, they’ll have four numbers followed by two letters (e.g.. 1234AB).
What are your responsibilities with your gas meter?
You must provide safe and clear access to your gas meter for maintenance, meter readings and supply connections or disconnections. On your gas bill, there should be a scheduled date for the next meter reading, so make sure there are no obstructions present, such as a locked gate or unsecured dog. Failure to provide safe and clear access will result in your energy retailer estimating your next bill.
Can you save money by reading your own meter?
If you’re questioning a recent gas bill, then it could be because your energy retailer has sent you an estimated reading, meaning the bill amount is based on your property’s historical usage habits. This would normally only happen if the distributor does not have safe and clear access to your gas meter.
However, if you’d prefer to ensure your bills are based on accurate data from your meter, you can submit an actual meter reading to your energy retailer, either through their website or via an app. This will take a lot of the guesswork out with estimated readings and give you peace of mind when your next bill arrives.
Understanding your gas bill
By having a better understanding of your gas bill, you’ll be able to recognise how much you’re spending, and find ways to reduce overall utility costs. If you’re one of many Aussies who rely on natural gas it’s worth getting familiar with your meter, just in case you ever need to record a reading after a larger-than-expected bill.
No matter your circumstances, if you haven’t compared gas prices recently, you may be missing out on deals better suited to your budget and needs. Rather than scanning individual gas supplier websites for plans and prices, use Canstar Blue’s free gas plan comparison tool. You can compare a wide range of gas deals in your area in minutes.
Share this article