Wiktor Wise
National Grid offers two ways to provide meter readings to avoid estimated bills: automated meter reading (AMR) and manual meter reading. With AMR, National Grid uses very short-range radio frequencies collected in their vans to get a 100% accurate reading without setting foot on the customer's property. Customers can also manually provide meter readings by calling the customer service number, emailing a photo of the meter, or scheduling an appointment with a technician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meter reading | Automated meter reading (AMR) |
| Technology used | Very short-range radio frequencies |
| Accuracy | 100% accurate |
| Meter installation | National Grid has partnered with Utility Partners of America (UPA) |
| Installation fee | No direct charge at the time of installation |
| Installation time | A few days to 30 days |
| Meter reading methods | Email a photo of the meter, call customer service, or schedule an appointment |
| Meter reading fees | $11.64 for electric meters, $11.64 for gas modules, $17.71 for dual fuel customers |
| Meter types | Dial meters and digital meters |
| Dial meter reading rules | Read from left to right, record the smaller number if the hand is between two numbers, treat 9 as the lower number when the dial is between 9 and 0 |
| Digital meter reading rules | Read from left to right |
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What You'll Learn
How to read a dial meter
National Grid now collects automated meter readings for most of its customers. However, you can still read your meter and track your usage. There are two basic types of meters: dial meters and digital meters. Here's how to read a dial meter:
Dial meters may seem tricky at first, but they're straightforward once you get the hang of them. Each dial will point to a number, and you need to record the numbers from left to right. If a dial is between two numbers, always record the smaller number. For example, if a dial points to 6, check the dial to its right. If that dial is a 9, then record the number as 5, as the dials move clockwise and anti-clockwise. In this case, the reading would be 5.9, which is between 5 and 6.
If a dial hand points directly to a number, check the dial to the right. If the dial to the right is a 9, subtract one from the number before recording it. If the dial to the right is not a 9, record the number as it is.
Remember, 0 is the highest number a dial can reach, as it signifies a complete turn. So, if a dial is between 9 and 0, treat 9 as the lower number.
For example, if the first dial is directly on 3, and the dial to its right is not on 9, record this as 3. Move one dial to the right again and find the third number. After writing this third number, move to the right again to find the fourth and final number for your reading.
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How to read a digital meter
National Grid collects automated meter readings for most of its customers. However, you can still read your meter and track your usage. There are two basic types of meters: dial meters and digital meters.
- Look just above the digital number for a flat disk that sits parallel to the ground. If that disk is spinning, you're consuming electricity. Note that it will spin very slowly, so look carefully.
- The numbers on a digital meter are read from left to right.
- If the pointer on a dial rests on a number, but the dial to its right is at 0, treat the digit as the number before it. For example, if the pointer is on 4 and the dial to the right is at 0, record it as 3.
- Jot down the total number to find your electricity usage. This number is in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and represents your total energy consumption.
- To calculate your electricity usage for a specific period, subtract the previous reading (from your most recent bill) from the current reading.
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How to submit a meter reading
National Grid now collects automated meter readings for most of its customers. However, you can still submit your meter reading to avoid estimated readings. Here is how you can do it:
Dial Meters
If you have a dial meter, the reading is taken from left to right. If the hand is pointing between two numbers, always record the smaller number. Note that 0 is the highest number the dial can reach, so treat 9 as the lower number when the dial is between 9 and 0. If a hand points directly to a number, check the dial to the right. If the dial to the right is a 9, subtract one before recording the number. Otherwise, record the number as it is.
Digital Meters
Digital meters are read from left to right.
Submitting Your Reading
On your scheduled meter reading dates, you can submit your reading by emailing a photo of your meter to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-322-3223 for electricity accounts or 1-800-732-3400 for gas accounts, and follow the prompts. At the main menu, say "meter reading" and then choose your options. Please have your account number ready to reference. You can also ask the customer service representative to set up an appointment to have your meter read.
Smart Meters
National Grid is currently rolling out smart meters, which use a field area network (FAN) to transmit data. This technology provides reliable, wireless, two-way communication between various nodes in the network, including electric and gas meters. There is a fee charged to read electric meters and gas modules, but dual-fuel customers receive a slightly reduced fee for both. Smart meter installations require an interruption in power, usually for less than 10 minutes, and advanced notice will be provided.
Translation Services
If you do not speak English, National Grid provides translation services. If you call the customer service team and it is recognized that you do not speak English, an agent who speaks your language will be brought on the line.
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Smart meters
National Grid has partnered with Utility Partners of America (UPA) for the installation of smart meters. Smart meters give people visibility and control over their energy usage, allowing them to make more efficient and cheaper energy choices. They also support the transition to a low-carbon energy system by enabling new approaches to managing demand.
Most electric meter installations require a temporary power interruption, usually for less than 10 minutes. Advance notice will be provided, and installation appointments will be made for customers in National Grid's Life Support, Blind and Disabled, or Medical Protections programs.
It can take a few days for a smart meter to connect to the network. Once registered, you can view your usage data in your account portal. In some cases, it could take up to 30 days to see your data as the meter registers and the network in your service area is built out.
National Grid's field area network (FAN) is a mesh architecture that provides reliable, wireless, two-way communication. The various communication components (nodes) communicate with other nodes in the network to transmit data. These interconnected nodes include electric and gas meters, as well as mesh repeaters and gateways. The repeaters help data travel from node to node throughout the mesh, while the gateways collect data and forward it over a cellular network to the National Grid datacenter.
By 2024, all households and small and medium-sized business premises in Britain will have been offered the opportunity to have a smart meter installed as part of the nationwide rollout.
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Meter reading fees
National Grid offers its customers the option to receive their meter readings via email, phone call, or by requesting an appointment with a technician. The company collects automated meter readings for most of its customers, but one can still read their meter and track their usage. There is no mention of a fee for these services.
However, meter reading fees are prevalent in other companies. For instance, AGL charges a special meter reading fee of $40.12, while EnergyAustralia charges a meter installation fee to facilitate renewable energy installation. A connection and disconnection fee is also charged by some companies, which includes meter reading. A controlled load metering fee is charged by some companies for meters that require a small upgrade to access controlled load tariffs.
Special meter reading fees are charged for out-of-cycle readings, which occur when a customer requests a meter reading outside of the regular quarterly billing cycle. This often happens when a customer is changing retailers halfway through a billing cycle. The fee for this service can vary, with some people reporting charges of $42, while others are charged $40.12 or $126.
It is important to note that meter reading fees are not standard and can vary depending on your provider and location. For example, in South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT, installing a standard electricity meter is usually free.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two basic types of meters – dial meters and digital meters. For dial meters, record your numbers from left to right. If the hand is between two numbers, record the smaller number. 0 is the highest number as it signifies a complete turn, so treat 9 as the lower number when the dial is between 9 and 0. If a hand points directly on a number, check the dial to the right. If the dial to the right is a 9, subtract one before recording the number on the dial. Otherwise, record it as is. For digital meters, read the numbers from left to right.
National Grid provides the majority of its customers with automated meter reading (AMR). This uses very short-range radio frequencies collected in their vans as they drive down your street. This method provides 100% accurate readings without needing access to your property.
There is a fee of $11.64 to read an electric meter. Dual fuel customers who have both gas and electric service receive a slightly reduced fee of $17.71 for both meters.
