How to read a gas meter - a complete guide
A missed gas reading deadline is the most common reason for an inflated bill - your supplier estimates consumption, usually on the high side. Domopay reminds you of the deadline, keeps a reading history, and lets you prove actual consumption when disputing a bill.
How to read your gas meter correctly
Most household gas meters in Poland are diaphragm meters of type G4 or G6. To take a reading, write down the digits on the display - usually 5 to 8 digits before the decimal point, expressed in cubic metres (m³). The digits after the decimal point (hundredths and thousandths of m³) are auxiliary and you enter only full cubic metres in the billing form. Electronic meters may have a button to cycle through screens - press it to show the current reading instead of other parameters.
How often to submit a gas meter reading
Rules vary by supplier: PGNiG (Polska Spółka Gazownictwa) typically requires a reading every 6 months; under tariff W-4 (gas heating) it may require quarterly or even monthly readings during the heating season. Orlen Gaz, Fortum, and smaller suppliers set their own deadlines in the contract. Check your contract or the supplier's online customer portal for the billing calendar.
How and where to submit your gas reading
The most convenient channels are: the supplier's eBOK customer portal, the operator's mobile app, a phone helpline, an SMS to the designated number, or the meter reader's visit. Alternatively, use the Domopay app - enter your reading once and it stores a chronological history and lets you generate a report ready to send to the supplier or building manager.
What to do about a wrong gas bill
If your gas bill seems too high, compare: the reading on the invoice with the current meter reading, the price per m³ with the tariff approved by URE (Energy Regulatory Office), and the number of months covered. File a complaint in writing to the supplier within 14 days of receiving the invoice - your Domopay reading history with timestamps is strong evidence in a dispute with the operator.
Common questions about gas meter readings
What if the gas meter display is hard to read?
If the display is fogged, dusty, or unreadable, wipe it with a dry cloth. If the problem persists, report it to your supplier - a damaged or unreadable display is a fault the operator is obliged to fix at their own cost.
How often does the meter reader visit?
The gas operator has the right to take its own technical reading at least once a year. If the meter reader cannot access your premises, the supplier bills you on estimates until the next reading. Keeping your own history in Domopay lets you challenge any estimated settlement.
Can I submit a photo of the gas meter instead of typing the reading?
Some suppliers (e.g. PSG via their eBOK app) accept photo readings - you send a photo and the system reads the digits automatically. In Domopay you can attach a photo to a manual entry as documentation confirming the meter state on a given day.
What about gas meter readings when changing tenants or selling a flat?
When the occupant changes, take a final reading and report it to the supplier. Both parties sign a handover protocol with the meter reading and transfer date - this is the basis for the final invoice for the previous user and the opening invoice for the new one.
Other tools worth checking
Never forget a gas reading again - Domopay will remind you
Join the beta and start keeping your gas meter reading history on your phone.