Broken Electric Meter | Repair & Troubleshooting
A broken electric meter can lead to safety risks and incorrect energy bills. If you're experiencing unusually high charges, a blank screen, or suspect your meter isn’t working correctly, it’s important to act quickly. This guide will walk you through the simple steps you can take before and after contacting your energy supplier—and how to keep your meter protected long term.
Step 1: Simple Checks to Spot a Broken Electric Meter
If your electricity bill suddenly spikes or your meter reading seems off, don't panic. Start with these easy checks:
- Turn off all electrical appliances in your home—that includes lights, kitchen devices, and chargers.
- Watch your electric meter for about 30–60 minutes. If the numbers are still moving, something’s not right.
- Turn appliances back on one by one. If your meter starts speeding up when one specific item is turned on, that appliance might be faulty.
- If the meter keeps running even when everything is turned off, there’s a strong chance the electric meter is faulty and needs attention.
Also, check for other signs like:
- No display or flashing error codes
- The meter doesn’t seem to be recording usage
- Prepay meters that show a blank screen or strange messages
- Economy 7 meters that are switching times incorrectly
- Any unusual smell or dark, sticky substance leaking from the meter—call 105 immediately if you see this
Step 2: What to Expect When you Contact Your Energy Supplier
Once you’ve done your home checks and still believe your electric meter is broken, it’s time to contact your energy supplier. Here’s what usually happens:
- They may ask you a few questions about what you've noticed and might try to diagnose the issue over the phone.
- In some cases, they will send out an engineer to test your meter in person.
- Important: Some suppliers charge for testing if no fault is found—so always ask if there are any fees before agreeing to a visit.
If a fault is confirmed, they’ll schedule a repair or replacement. After the work is complete, you should get a written report explaining what was found and what was done.
Step 3: Protect Your electric Meter with the Right Cover
Fixing a broken electric meter is just the beginning—keeping it safe from future damage is just as important. Weather, accidental bumps, or even tampering can shorten the life of your meter. That’s why installing a strong, water-resistant meter box housing is highly recommended. We offer a full range of solutions to protect your meter, including GRP overboxes, repair kits, and spare parts like doors, locks, keys, and latches. Whether you're repairing an existing box or upgrading after a meter replacement, our products provide the durability and security your setup needs—so your electric meter stays protected for years to come.
Where to Buy Replacements for a Broken Electric Meter Box
You can purchase new enclosures, accessories, and spares directly here at MeterBoxesDirect online. Some options are below:
