How to Read a Gas Meter in Australia (Step-by-Step)

To read a gas meter in Australia, locate the meter, record the black numbers from left to right, and ignore any red or decimal digits. The reading shows your gas usage in cubic metres (m³) and is used for billing.

How Do You Read a Gas Meter? 

1. Find your gas meter (usually outside or in a utility area)
   Read the black numbers from left to right
   
2. Ignore red numbers and decimal points
   
3. Submit the full number to your energy provider, ideally with a timestamped photo. Here’s how to get a timestamped photo for Apple and Android.
   

This applies to most digital and metric gas meters used across Australia.

Why Reading Your Gas Meter Matters

Understanding your gas meter helps Australian businesses:

• Avoid estimated gas bills
  
• Verify supplier charges
  
• Track usage accurately
  
• Improve energy procurement decisions
  

Accurate readings are essential when comparing gas rates or reviewing contracts.

What Type of Gas Meter Do You Have?

Digital / Metric Gas Meter (Most Common in Australia)

• Measures gas in cubic metres (m³)
  
• Displays numbers digitally or in an odometer-style window
  
• Used in most modern homes and commercial properties
  

Dial / Imperial Gas Meter (Older Properties)

• Uses multiple rotating dials
  
• Measures gas in cubic feet (ft³)
  
• Converted to metric units by your energy retailer
  

How to Read a Digital Gas Meter (m³)

Step-by-step:

1. Locate the meter box
   
2. Read the black numbers from left to right
   
3. Write down all numbers, including leading zeros
   
4. Ignore
   
   • Red digits
     
   • Decimal points
     

The final number is your gas usage in cubic metres.

How to Read a Dial Gas Meter

Follow this method carefully:

1. Read the dials from left to right
   
2. If the pointer is between numbers, record the lower number
   
3. Ignore small or coloured test dials
   

Your provider converts this reading to cubic metres for billing.

Where to Submit a Gas Meter Reading

You can submit a gas meter reading via:

• Your energy retailer’s online portal
  
• Mobile app or email upload
  
• Phone support
  

For businesses working with Termina, meter data is reviewed alongside market pricing to ensure billing accuracy and cost efficiency.

How Often Should You Read Your Gas Meter?

Recommended frequency:

• Monthly for accurate billing
  
• Before renewing energy contracts
  
• After changes in business operations or seasonality
  
• If you want to correct an estimated meter reading

Regular readings reduce reliance on estimated bills.

Common Gas Meter Reading Mistakes

• Including red or decimal digits
  
• Reading dials in the wrong direction
  
• Skipping leading zeros
  
• Recording the wrong meter in shared buildings
  

Always double-check your reading before submission.

How Meter Readings Help Reduce Energy Costs

Gas meter readings aren’t just administrative, they help businesses:

• Identify inefficiencies
  
• Validate contract pricing
  
• Compare retailers accurately
  
• Avoid overpaying for gas
  

Termina uses verified usage data to support smarter, unbiased energy decisions.

Take Control of Your Energy Data with Termina

Knowing how to read your gas meter is the first step toward smarter energy management. Termina helps Australian businesses turn accurate usage data into clearer insights, better pricing, and lower long-term energy costs, without commissions or retailer bias.