Reading your electricity meter: how to read the index correctly and submit it

Reading the meter index correctly is the simplest way to avoid estimated bills and unpleasant adjustments. Whether you have an old electromechanical meter or a digital one (smart meter) fitted by the distribution operator, the principle is the same: you identify the figures that represent the energy consumed in kWh and submit them to your supplier within the self-reading window. Below you will find a step-by-step guide on what to do for each type of meter.

Why reading the index correctly matters

Your energy bill is calculated based on the difference between the current index and the one from the previous month. If you do not submit the actual index, your supplier estimates it based on your consumption history, and at the next real reading an adjustment appears: either you pay extra, or you receive a large bill all at once.

Reading the meter yourself (self-reading) gives you control over your bill and reflects actual consumption, month by month. It is particularly useful when your consumption varies a lot (for example, in the cold season, when you use electric heating) or when you have recently installed new appliances.

Watch out for common mix-ups: a misreading (for example, submitting the red digits or the decimals) can produce an absurd index and an incorrect bill.

Types of meters and where the index is located

In Bucuresti, Ilfov and Giurgiu, the distribution operator is Retele Electrice Romania S.A. (formerly E-Distributie Muntenia), which fits and reads the meters. In general, you will come across three categories:

1. Electromechanical meter (with wheels / mechanical digits)

It has a cylinder with rotating digits. As a rule, there are several black/white digits and one or two red digits (or on a red background) at the end.

• Read only the digits on the white/black background, from left to right.
• Ignore the red digit (it represents decimals, i.e. fractions of a kWh).
• If a wheel is between two digits, note the lower digit (the one it has just passed).

2. Digital electronic meter (LCD display)

It has an electronic screen and one or more buttons. The display either scrolls through several values automatically or you can scroll through them manually.

• Press the navigation button until the total index appears (active energy imported).
• Look for the OBIS code marked on the screen. According to the information published by Rețele Electrice România, 1.8.0 is the total active energy consumed, while 1.8.1, 1.8.2 and 1.8.3 break the consumption down by time-of-use tariff — so for a standard contract you submit 1.8.0, and for a differentiated tariff 1.8.1 and 1.8.2 (plus 1.8.3, if your tariff has three time bands).
• You may also see the codes 3.8.0 and 4.8.0: these measure reactive energy and are not the ones you submit for ordinary household self-reading.
• Note the figures before the decimal point, in kWh.

3. Bidirectional smart meter

This is the meter fitted, for example, in the case of prosumers with photovoltaic systems. It measures both the energy consumed from the grid and the energy injected into the grid.

• 1.8.0 = active energy imported (consumed from the grid).
• 2.8.0 = active energy produced and exported (injected into the grid by the photovoltaic panels) — the code the operator lists as relevant for prosumers.

If you are in the position of connecting a photovoltaic system, see the steps for photovoltaic prosumer grid connection, where the operator fits the bidirectional meter after the dossier is approved.

How to read the index step by step

For a standard digital meter, the procedure is:

1. Step up to the meter and make sure you can see the display clearly (use a torch if needed).
2. Press the navigation button briefly. The display will cycle through several screens.
3. Stop at the screen with code 1.8.0 (or the marking “Total” / “T”) — this is the index of energy consumed.
4. Note down exactly the figures shown before the decimal point, without the thousands separators.
5. Photograph the display as evidence, with the date visible.

On a mechanical meter, skip the buttons and read the digit cylinder directly, ignoring the red zone.

Table: what you read and what you ignore

How and when you submit the index

Suppliers provide several self-reading channels, and you choose the most convenient one:

• The supplier’s mobile app (the fastest, with saved history).
• The online account (My Account / customer portal) on the supplier’s website.
• SMS to the dedicated number.
• Phone, via the call centre or automated IVR.

In Bucuresti, Ilfov and Giurgiu you can also send the reading directly to the distribution operator: Rețele Electrice România publishes an online self-reading form (“Încărcare autocitiri”) on its website, where you fill in the POD code (you find it on your bill), the meter serial number, the date and the index, and attach a photo of the meter screen. The operator also points out that, without a self-reading, the supplier bills you on estimated consumption — which is exactly what the monthly index helps you avoid.

The index is usually submitted within a window communicated by the supplier (often around the “reading day” mentioned on the bill, plus a few days). If you miss the window, the supplier estimates the consumption and you settle it later.

Good practice when submitting

• Submit in the same period each month, so that the differences are comparable.
• Keep the photo of the display as evidence in case of a dispute.
• Check on the bill that your index was taken into account (it appears as “self-reading”, not “estimated”).

Common problems and solutions

A few situations that come up often:

• Index lower than last month: you read it incorrectly (you probably included a red digit or skipped a digit). Read it again.
• Blank display on the digital meter: press the button; many meters go into standby and reactivate when pressed.
• Sudden high consumption with no explanation: it may be a previous estimated reading followed by an adjustment, or a fault. Check the history and, if you suspect a technical problem, request an inspection.
• You are not sure where the active index is: scroll with the button until you reach 1.8.0 or ask an authorised electrician for help.

If you suspect irregularities in the earthing socket, the fuses or the electrical installations in your home, a specialist inspection is recommended. To check continuity and protection parameters, there are PRAM measurements carried out by certified personnel.

When you need an ANRE-certified specialist

You can read the index yourself, but fitting or replacing the meter is the exclusive responsibility of the distribution operator. You, as the beneficiary, deal with the utilisation installation and the connection documentation.

SUN WATT SRL (bransam.ro), a company certified by ANRE for execution and design, helps you with:

• building or upgrading a single-phase or three-phase electrical connection (bransament);
• the documentation for grid connection to electricity (racordare) and obtaining the approvals;
• increasing the available power through a power upgrade (spor de putere), when your consumption exceeds the approved power.

We cover Bucuresti, Ilfov and Giurgiu, with DIU (Utilisation Installation Dossier) nationwide. For an assessment, you can call us on 0733 097 440 or write to us via the contact page.

Conclusion

Reading your electricity meter essentially means identifying the figures in kWh (the white zone on a mechanical meter, code 1.8.0 on a digital one), ignoring the decimals and submitting the value within the supplier’s self-reading window. This way you pay for your actual consumption and avoid surprises from estimated bills. And when it comes to your electrical connection (bransament), a power upgrade (spor de putere) or installations, call on an ANRE-certified company for safe and compliant work.