Meters

Your electricity or gas meter records the number of units of energy you've used. On your gas meter, one unit equals one cubic metre (m³). On your electricity meter, one unit equals one kilowatt hour (kWh).

Actual and estimated readings

Every two months, one of our meter readers will come to your house to read your meter. When you see ‘based on actual read’ on your bill it means we've used the actual read to calculate your energy consumption. Any meter reader who visits your home will have a card identifying them as a representative of Contact Energy.

Every alternate meter reading will be an estimate of your energy use. (you'll see the words ‘based on estimate read’ on your bill). Our estimates are based on the amount of electricity you used in the past over a similar period of the year.

When you get an estimated bill, you might want to read the meter yourself to check the estimated reading against your actual meter reading. You can call and enter your own meter reading using our automatic telephone service on 0800 80 9000. We'll then update our records and send you an amended bill.

Repairs and maintenance

Contact is responsible for providing the metering equipment on your property. If you think the meter is not working properly please let us know and we'll arrange for it to be tested. If any repairs are necessary we can arrange them.

You're responsible for any repairs or maintenance to your own meter box or meter board and any fuse board or other wiring.