Meter Reading Policy
ESB Networks and Meter Reading
ESB Networks is responsible for the electricity meters in every home and business in Ireland. We read every type of meter including mechanical, electronic and Pay As You Go.
FAQ Meter reading
Quarter Hourly Meter Reading
For larger commercial and industrial consumers, Quarter Hourly (QH) metering is used. These meters record the electricity consumption for each 15 minute period during the day.
This information is not available on the meter display. Instead the meter displays a cumulative total of daily and nightly consumption. We read all QH meters via a remote connection. After validation, these readings are passed to your supplier.
If we have a problem reading a meter, one of our technicians will visit your site to resolve the issue. He/she may also collect the readings manually if necessary.
Estimated Usage During A Power Outage
As part of our role as the Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks is licenced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to provide meter and data services to the electricity market in Ireland. We provide actual or estimated meter readings to electricity suppliers who then use the data to calculate electricity usage and invoice their customers in accordance with the contract and tariff agreed between the supplier and the customer.
ESB Networks has been investigating an intermittent issue involving a small number of smart meter customers (0.7% of all smart meters installed) who are presently on half-hourly billing only. Following a power outage, these particular customers received an estimated usage for the short period when there was no power supply. The average value per customer is less than three units of electricity.
Our investigation has shown that the issue arose due to a system alert which has been resolved and measures have been put in place to ensure there is no future reoccurrence.
There is no action required on the part of the customer, as we have identified the impacted customers. We are working with the CRU and electricity suppliers to ensure any adjustments due to these customers will be issued in line with industry processes.
