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.
Frequently asked questions
Why are meter readings important?
Regular meter readings enable you to monitor your electricity usage.
How often are meters read?
A meter reader will call to you up to four times a year to read your meter, there is a planned estimate twice a year.
When do I need to take a reading?
If you are not at home when the Meter Reader calls, a card will be left inviting you to submit a meter reading.
If you are moving in or out of a property, you will need to submit a meter reading at the time of your move so that your electricity supplier can issue your final bill.
What happens if you lose your meter cabinet key?
If you lose the key to your outdoor meter cabinet, we are happy to send you a replacement. Call 1800 372 757 or +353 21 2386555.
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.
Updates to estimated interval data
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 customers and the electricity market in Ireland. This includes the collection and processing of large volumes of smart meter reads every day. For customers who are on interval billing tariffs (MCC12) with electricity suppliers, ESB Networks provides 48 half-hourly interval readings every day to these electricity suppliers, as well as the cumulative consumption totals ('register reads') for these meters. These are the same as the values that can be seen on the display of the meter.
There are instances where the collection of actual interval readings from meters is delayed due to communication issues, power outages, or other technical challenges. In such cases, ESB Networks provides electricity suppliers with estimated consumption values for the affected meters and interval periods. Typically, these estimates are automatically replaced with actual readings once the underlying issue is resolved. However, in exceptional circumstances where this automatic update does not occur, or actual interval readings are not available, ESB Networks substitutes the initial estimates with more accurate interval estimates. These are derived from the total recorded usage (i.e. the cumulative register read) for the relevant period. The revised data is then provided to the electricity supplier, which may result in the issuance of an updated bill or statement, depending on the timing.
Historical lookback
ESB Networks has identified that there are a limited number of cases going back to 2023, where initial estimated interval values have not been replaced with actual meter readings. To address this, a process is being implemented during September 2025 by ESB Networks to update these initial estimates with more accurate interval estimates. No action is required from customers. ESB Networks will provide the updated data directly to the registered electricity suppliers at the time the instance occurred for the affected MPRNs*.
These adjustments mean that your electricity supplier may receive updated usage information relating to a period that a bill or statement has been issued. As a result of the updated data, your electricity supplier may issue a bill or statement to reflect the updated usage data.
Any queries related to billing should be made in the first instance to your registered electricity supplier.
Please note that if you have an ESB Networks online account, this will only provide a view of actual data from the meter and does not include estimated or adjusted values.
*Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) - this is a unique 11 digit number assigned to your electricity connection and meter. You can find this on the top right hand corner of your electricity bill from your electricity supplier.