How To Read Your Meter (2024)

FAQs

How To Read Your Meter? ›

The dials read from left to right, just like the numbers on a page. If a hand appears to be directly on a number, look at the dial to the right. If the hand on that dial is between 0 and 1, the reading is the number the hand is on. If the hand on the other dial is between 9 and 0, the reading is the next lower number.

When reading an electric meter, read and write down the numbers as shown on the dials from right to left. When the pointer is directly on a number, look at the dial to the right. If it has passed zero, use the next higher number. If it has not passed zero, use the lower number.

Energy consumption calculation:

Multiply your electricity consumption (in kWh) by the applicable tariff rate per unit. Formula: Electricity Cost = Electricity Consumption (kWh) x Tariff Rate per unit.

1 meter = (1×100) centimeters. 1 centimeter = (1×10) millimeters.

Smart meters with a green button labelled 'A'

Press the green button until you see 'Total Act Import'. A reading should appear followed by 'kWh'. For two rate meters or Economy 7 meters, your meter will have a '01' and a '02' reading, which you'll find by pressing the 'A' button. You should record both numbers.

As each type of smart meter has its own way to take a reading, the best thing to do is press the buttons to scroll through the screens. You're looking for a screen with a row numbers in front of the letters 'KWH'. This is your meter reading. Once you've found the right screen, read the numbers from left to right.

If you have a smart meter that is functioning correctly, you don't need to submit a meter reading as your readings are automatically sent to your energy provider. If it's operating in 'dumb' mode, however, it won't be sending readings automatically, so you should submit a reading.

That's why you may notice your bill go up or down when you get your actual reading. This is why it's important for you to submit your own meter reads. That way your power bill will be more accurate and consistent. Plus, it'll save you money.

There will still be meter readers after 2021, but it won't be the level it is today. "Some people say 'oh you're eliminating a job,' but ComEd and Exelon don't do it that way," Gaulrapp said. "They give people the opportunity to go to a different part of the company."

Are electric meters read manually? ›

Your electrical consumption is read manually by a utility service person who visits the home to read the numbers on the dials. A mechanical electric meter cannot be read remotely. Your building's electrical consumption is calculated by subtracting last month's numbers from this month's reading.

A kWh is 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour. You can see and track how many kilowatts you use hourly, daily and monthly through MID's Customer Self-Service portal. Read the numbers from left to right; write it down from left to right. Every time the number increases, another kWh has been used.

Meter can go wrong either way

Meter can go fast and can go slow as well. If it is found that the meter is slow, then the excess amount will have to be paid by the consumer. It is important to note that if you have a very old mechanical meter, it is likely that it can be running slow.

Unless you have a smart meter, you should submit a meter reading when your supplier asks for one. This will normally be a few days before your bill is due every month. Your energy supplier should send you reminders – especially if you have an online account or app.