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It may be time to pay your bill, and when you do, you notice the utility bill is too high. However, you may need to read your electric meter before contacting your utility company. What are those dials and numbers? You wonder. This article considers how to read an electrical meter.
You can begin by learning how electric meters work and the basics of reading an electric meter. In addition, you can read up on types of electric meters, natural gas meters, solar meters, and electrical safety advice.
How electric meters work
An electric power meter generally acts as a clock-like device driven by electricity. Your home draws in current from the power lines and moves small gears inside your meter. The dials on the face of the meter then record the number of revolutions.
When more current is drawn in or more power is consumed instantly, the gears rotate faster, and the speed of the revolutions increases. Electric power has a basic unit of measurement called Watt. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) indicates the consumption of one thousand watts of power within one hour.
Basics of reading an electric meter
- Read the numbers on the dials of your electric meter from right to left. Then, write down the numbers.
- You must use the dial to the right if the pointer is on a number.
- If the pointer has progressed beyond zero, use the following higher number.
- Use the lower number if the pointer has yet to pass zero.
- Write down the values from the right to the left. If the hand of the dial is between two numbers, use the smaller number.
Types of electric meters in Australia
Depending on the region in Australia, you can find the following types of electric meters:
Digits display meters (single rate)
Also referred to as cyclometer display meters, these meters give a direct readout of total electricity usage. You only need to read the numbers as shown. You should also include all leading zeros when reading electricity cyclonic dial meters.
Digits display meters (dual rate)
Unlike the single rate digits display meters, the dual rate meters have a dual display. Here, you can record the top display reading before the bottom display. H display usually stands for (High/Peak) and L for (Low/Off Peak). When submitting your meter readings, you should remember to read and record both numbers (if you have this meter type).
Digital display meters
These are also called accumulation meters. Energy retailers often install them for small businesses and residential customers. They have a dial, digital, or clock face and give an overall reading of the meter's electricity amount from installation to date.
Usually, a meter reader checks the differences between meter readings, forming a basis for your electric bills. Pressing the 'scroll' or 'display' button displays your reading options. After that, you can note each reading.
Smart meters
These are also referred to as interval meters. They are advanced digital meters that electronically record electricity amounts that pass through the meter. This recording is done in 30-minute intervals and relayed to the electricity distributor or energy retailer.
With this type of meter, you do not need anyone to come read your meter. In other words, your energy retailer can perform readings without having to do it manually.
Steps for reading your own meter
Read on to learn the procedure for reading different meter types.
Reading digital electricity meters
- Here, you must check the cumulative electricity consumption record in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Read the number displayed from left to right. Scrolling through screens such as date and time to access the reading may be necessary.
- Numbers that begin with 03 or 003 represent the peak electricity meter reading.
- Numbers that start with 07 or 007 stand for the off-peak electricity meter reading.
- If you use solar panels, check the import/export meter.
- Check numbers that begin with 09 or 009 for a reading of the export to the grid.
Reading dial/clock face electricity meters
- Dial or clock-face electricity accumulation meters also give a cumulative kWh reading of home electricity consumption.
- You can read the dials, but ignore the one marked 1/10, as it is meant for testing. Read from left to right.
- Each dial has a different revolution sequence from the one close to it. One may revolve in a clockwise direction and the other in an anti-clockwise direction.
- If the pointer is in between two numbers, record the lower one. For example, write down one if it is between one and two.
- However, record the nine if the dial is between nine and zero.
- If the pointer is exactly over a number, write it down and underline it.
- Where an underlined number is followed by eight or nine, deduct one from the underlined digit.
Off-peak metering explained
Overall, electricity network demand is usually lower during night-time hours. Power is supplied during such times, and certain appliances can use the 'Off-Peak' or 'Controlled Load' tariffs. Examples of appliances that you can run on an 'off-peak' tariff include the following:
- Storage water heaters that are permanently installed with a minimum capacity of 125L
- Heat pumps
- Underfloor (slab) heating
- Certain spa and swimming pool heaters
Note: You can confirm your off-peak hours and what appliances you can connect from energy retailers.
How natural gas meters work
Your utility usually installs a meter to measure your electricity or gas usage. This meter is your home's point of distribution and the incoming gas or electric power lines.
The force of the moving gas in the pipe drives the gas meter. The greater the flow, the faster the meter turns.
The pointer on the dial with a higher value moves one digit ahead for each complete revolution of the dial with the lower value. The cubic foot is a commonly used standard unit of measurement for natural gas. MCF indicates a billing by the thousands of cubic feet, while CCF or therm is a billing by the hundreds of cubic feet.
How to read gas meters
Note that you must read the dials on your gas meter from left to right – the opposite of reading an electric meter. Like newer electric meters, gas meters can use digital displays rather than dials.
With such digital meters, the amount of energy units used in a billing period differs between the previous month's reading and the current month. As such, you can deduct the total kWh usage in your last bill from the current reading to determine the use for the current month.
Reading solar meters
There are several solar meter types, and the reading depends on the electricity supply. You may be using a solar power and battery storage system. Or you may be using a separate hot water meter. Similarly, you may use a multiphase supply instead of a single one.
Solar inverter energy system meters display the type of meter model on the front panel label. You will see a digital display with a Display ID section and a Display Data section. The Display Data section is the one with the actual readings. The display test screen shows a series of 8s you do not need to use.
Giving retailers access to read your meter
Energy retailers need access to meters at least once yearly to read the meters and prepare energy bills. Your retailer may have to estimate your energy consumption if they do not have clear and safe access to your meter. Estimated bills may become too high if they overestimate your energy usage.
Likewise, you may get large catch-up bills if they have under-estimated your use. You should note that failing to provide access to your electricity or gas meter may lead to an energy service disconnection if it occurs for three consecutive scheduled readings.
It may be necessary to agree on a meter reading schedule with your retailer if access to your home meter is difficult.
Safety advice for electric meter reading
You may exercise your power of choice and take your own meter readings. However, you need to be aware of the potential risks and hazards that electric meters can pose.
- First, ensure no potential hazards before and when accessing your meter.
- Read your meter when you have clear weather and a stable electricity supply.
- Ensure the metering data equipment shows no heat damage or burning odour.
- Also, check that the poles and power supply wires do not have signs of wear.
- Likewise, check the integrity of your electricity and gas connections.
- Do not try to fix potential hazards that you spot during a self-meter read. You can contact energy retailers.
- You should also reach out if you are experiencing power outages or electricity supply problems.
- If your meter is defective, reach out to your utility company.
Considerations for new meter installations
People need new meters for different reasons. You may move house and need one in your new home. Likewise, new meters may be called for during renovations and when installing energy solutions such as cool roofs and solar PV systems. New meter installations need to follow metering rules. As such, you need to invite energy retailers for the installation of new digital meters.
Getting detailed meter data reports
Electricity retailers can provide information on energy consumption for areas they service. Some people perform a detailed analysis of energy usage. For example, energy management consultants may require detailed meter data to assess business demand and demand response relating to energy consumption.
Meanwhile, checking your usage history using a usage data request is possible. You can also contact your local utility for further explanation on terms such as period, maximum Kw, and current demand.
Get professional electrical meter reading help
With this guide on reading your own meter, you should have a better idea of what to expect when you read your bill. If you are still confused, you may get help and advice from your electrical contractor. They can immediately refer you to reputable energy retailers while giving you great energy-saving tips and handling your electrical needs.
