Need to read your gas meter? Just take a picture A new app from EDF Energy allows customers to take a photograph of any electricity or gas meter in their property with their smartphone and submit the image directly to the company. Their energy account will be automatically updated, which will ensure they are being billed correctly based on their level of actual usage rather than on estimates. It is the first app capable of reading energy meters by photo to be launched in the UK and can be used to track previous meter readings. customers will still be able to submit their readings by typing it in if they prefer. "We know how busy many people are, so we've developed the Photo-Meter functionality to make it as easy as possible for customers to submit meter readings for their electricity and gas meters in just a few seconds," said Martin Lawrence, managing director of Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply, at EDF Energy. By providing regular meter readings, customers can get more accurate bills, and only pay for the energy they use. Scott Byrom of MoneySupermarket.com said it was good to see that suppliers were moving forward and providing customers with tools which will help put them in charge of their energy bills. "Anything that moves customers away from estimated billing, and which avoids underpaying or overpaying is of huge benefit as it enables bill payers to switch more easily when they need to," he said. Last week, energy experts estimated that household gas and electricity bills could reach £1,428 this winter. The company, formerly Scottish & southern Energy, announced the rise last month; it takes effect on Oct 15.