Wiktor Wise
Reading your electric meter is a straightforward process, but the method varies depending on the type of meter you have. The most common types of electric meters are smart meters and standard meters. Smart meters automatically send readings to your supplier and display the data on a digital screen. Standard meters, on the other hand, must be read manually, either by the customer or the utility company, and may have mechanical or LCD displays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meter Type | Landis+Gyr, Elster REX1, REX2, REX2 solar meters, Smart meters, Standard meters, Analogue meters |
| Display Type | Digital, LCD, Mechanical |
| Reading Method | Manual, Automatic |
| Reading Frequency | Monthly |
| Reading Procedure | Read from right to left, write down numbers as shown on dials, read from left to right for gas meters, ignore red dials, record numbers shown by writing down the value of the dial on the extreme right first |
| Units | Kilowatt-hours (kWh), Watt |
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What You'll Learn
Smart meters
To read a smart meter, first determine the smart meter type, then follow the instructions for the meter that matches your model. If you opt out of receiving a smart meter, you may be charged a fee to cover the service of manually reading your meter.
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Standard meters
Digital standard meters have an electronic or digital display, showing 5 numbers, followed by a decimal point, and then some more numbers. To read this meter, write down the first 5 numbers shown from left to right and ignore the numbers after the decimal point, which are sometimes shown in red.
Analog standard meters have four to five separate dials that rotate in opposite directions to each other. Each dial points to a number between 0 and 9. To read this meter, read the first 5 dials from left to right and ignore any red dials or dials marked 1/10. If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. If it's between 9 and 0, write down 9. If the pointer is directly over a number, write that number down and underline it. If you've underlined a number, check the next dial to the right; if its pointer is between 9 and 0, reduce the number you've underlined by 1.
Some standard meters are dual-rate meters, which have two rows of numbers. The top row (labelled 'low' or 'night') shows how many units of cheaper electricity you've used, while the bottom row (labelled 'normal' or 'day') displays how many units of standard-price electricity you've consumed. For these meters, read both the top and bottom rows and write down the numbers shown from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red.
It's important to note that you can read your own meter to help monitor your electric energy use and ensure accuracy. However, tampering with or attempting to repair the meter yourself is not advised.
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How to read a smart meter
Smart meters securely capture and store energy-usage data using digital technology. They record and automatically send your energy use to the supplier. Smart meters display six different sets of information (or registers) at three-second intervals, 24 hours a day.
To read your smart meter, look for the register ID in the top-left corner, which indicates what type of information is being shown. The 01H register ID, for example, indicates electric usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To see how much electricity you've used in a given period, write down the number at the beginning of that period and subtract it from the number displayed at the end.
Other register IDs include 03A, which indicates electric demand in kilovolt-amperes (kVa), and 029, which indicates surplus electricity generated by customers with registered distributed generation sources, such as wind turbines or solar panels, in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Some other things to look out for are:
- The 888 symbol at the top left of the screen, which indicates whether the display has any burned-out digits or segments.
- "Reg" or "Not Reg", which indicates whether the meter is registered with CenterPoint Energy's communications network.
- The rE9 (REG) symbol in the middle of the screen, which indicates that the meter is registered with the communications network.
- The SYnc symbol in the middle of the screen, which indicates that the meter is synchronized (or communicating) with the network.
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How to read a standard meter
A standard electric meter is a clock-like device that records the amount of electricity you use. It shows your home's electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Some are mechanical, while others have LCD displays. Landis+Gyr and Elster REX2 are some examples of standard electric meters.
To read a standard electric meter, follow the steps below:
- Read the dials from right to left: When reading an electric meter, read and write down the numbers as shown on the dials from right to left. Start with the dial on the far right and work your way to the left. Write down the numbers in the same order.
- Using the correct number when the pointer is directly on a number: If the pointer is directly on a number, look at the dial to its right. If the pointer on the right dial has passed zero, use the next higher number. If it has not passed zero, use the lower number.
- When the pointer is between two numbers: If the pointer is between two numbers, always use the smaller of the two numbers.
- Underlining and checking the next dial: If you underline a number because the pointer is directly on it, check the next dial to the right. If the pointer on that dial is between 9 and 0, reduce the number you underlined by 1.
- Reading the correct number of dials: Most sources suggest reading the first 4 or 5 dials from left to right. Ignore any red dials or dials marked 1/10.
- Understanding the impact of weather on energy use: During the heating season, compare your energy use to the number of heating degree days for the same time period. Each degree Fahrenheit below 65°F is counted as one heating degree day. Similarly, during the cooling season, compare your energy use to the number of cooling degree days. Each degree Fahrenheit above 65°F is counted as one cooling degree day. Your energy use should be proportional to the number of heating or cooling degree days.
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How to read a dial meter
To read a dial electricity meter, start by looking at the position of the pointers on the dials. Then, follow the below instructions:
- Read the dials from left to right, starting with the dial marked 10,000. Ignore the dial marked 1/10 as it is only used for testing.
- If the pointer is between two numbers, always write down the lower number. This is not necessarily the nearest number to the pointer.
- If the pointer is between 9 and 0, write down 9.
- If the pointer is directly on a number, write it down and underline it.
- If the pointer is directly on a number, look at the dial on its right. If the pointer on the right has passed zero, use the next higher number. If it has not passed zero, use the lower number.
- Record the numbers shown by writing down the value of the dial on your extreme right first and the rest as you come to them.
Note that some newer electric meters use digital displays instead of dials.
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Frequently asked questions
An analogue electric meter is a clock-like device with dials that record the amount of electricity used. The dials turn in opposite directions, and you should read the numbers from right to left. If the pointer is between two numbers, record the smaller number. If it's between 9 and 0, write down 9. If the pointer is directly on a number, check the dial to its right. If that dial has passed zero, use the next higher number; if it hasn't passed zero, use the lower number.
Smart meters automatically send your energy usage data to your supplier. They use digital technology to securely capture and store this information.
If you need to read your smart meter, check the type you have. Usually, you can press a button to cycle through different rate readings. If you see 'IMP R01' followed by numbers, this is usually your night or 'off-peak' reading. The day or 'peak' reading will be labelled 'IMP R02'.
Smart meters are usually digital displays. If you're unsure, check with your supplier.
Simply write down the numbers as they appear.
