Trystan Casey
Electric utility meters are devices that measure electricity consumption in a building. They are usually installed by utility companies between the incoming electric power lines and the point of distribution in a house. The basic unit of measure for electricity is the watt, and utility companies bill customers based on their kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. There are different types of electric meters, including traditional electromechanical meters, digital meters, and smart meters. Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular, with about 72% of residences in the US adopting them by 2022. These meters provide real-time data on electricity usage, allowing utility companies to develop better pricing models and helping consumers understand their energy usage habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic unit of measure of electric power | Watt |
| Number of Watts in a kilowatt | 1000 |
| Unit of billing | Kilowatt-hour (kWh) |
| Type of meter | Clock-like device driven by electricity |
| Meter location | Outside on a utility pole or inside the building in a niche |
| Meter display | Dials or digital |
| Meter reading | From right to left |
| Meter reading frequency | Several times a day |
| Meter reading method | Automated (smart meters) or manual (traditional meters) |
| Meter reading data transmission | Radio signals or cellular communication |
| Smart meter data transmission | Radio frequency or cellular data |
| Smart meter radiofrequency | Low-energy radiation |
| Smart meter installations in the US | 119 million |
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Smart meters
Despite the benefits, there is some controversy surrounding the implementation of smart meters. One issue is that some smart meters have caught fire, although proponents argue that the fault may lie with defective meter panels on the home rather than the smart meter itself. Another concern is the amount of radiation emitted by smart meters. Some people claim that smart meters cause dizziness, memory loss, headaches, or even cancer. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence, as smart meters use the same technology as cellphones, which have relatively low radiation levels.
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Reading your meter
Reading your electric meter can tell you many things, such as the effect of a new appliance on your consumption, how well you're conserving energy, or the effect of the weather on your usage. You may want to keep daily, weekly, or monthly records.
Your meter number is usually stamped or printed at the bottom of the faceplate in bold black numerals and can be up to ten digits long. Most residential meters have four or five dials. Both types are read the same way. Each dial on the meter is numbered from 0 to 9 and has a pointer, like the hand on a clock, that turns either clockwise or counterclockwise.
The basic unit of measure of electric power is the watt. One kilowatt equals one thousand watts. If you use one thousand watts of power in one hour, you have used a kilowatt-hour (kWh). Your electric utility bills you by the kWh. The standard electric power meter is a clock-like device driven by the electricity moving through it. As the home draws current from the power lines, a set of small gears inside the meter move. The number of revolutions is recorded by the dials that you can see on the face of the meter. The speed of the revolutions depends on the amount of current drawn—the more power consumed, the faster the gears will rotate.
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. Record the numbers shown by writing down the value of the dial to your extreme right first and the rest as you come to them. Should the hand of a dial fall between two numbers, use the smaller of the two numbers.
If you have a mechanical day-night meter, it will record daytime electricity usage on the top set of dials and nighttime usage on the bottom set. Electronic meters have a digital electronic display that cycles continuously, showing a number of 5 or 6-digit displays, such as total electricity used, electricity used during the day or night, and the time.
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How you're billed
Electricity bills are calculated based on the amount of electricity you consume, which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kilowatt-hour is equivalent to using one thousand watts of power in one hour. Your electric meter tracks your electricity consumption, and this data is used to determine your bill.
Smart meters, which are now used in 72% of residences as of 2022, operate similarly to traditional meters but with added functionality. They send usage information to the utility company via radio signals or cellular communication, allowing the company to monitor your energy usage in real time. This data helps the utility company to develop better pricing plans and also ensures that you are billed accurately for your energy usage.
The time of day you use electricity can also impact your bill. Time-of-Day (TOD) Metering allows utilities to charge different rates depending on when electricity is used. Off-peak hours typically have lower rates, while peak load periods have higher rates. By incentivizing homeowners to use electricity during off-peak times, TOD metering helps balance supply and demand.
Additionally, your bill may include other charges, such as capacity costs and utility delivery charges. Capacity costs ensure that the electric utility has enough capacity to meet the power demands of their customers. Utility delivery charges cover the cost of line maintenance and upkeep to ensure consistent power delivery.
It's important to regularly check your meter readings and compare them with your bill to ensure accuracy. Disputed meters may be laboratory-tested, and if found to be misregistering, a refund is usually provided based on the estimated duration of inaccurate readings.
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Meter locations
Inside Location: When the service disconnecting means is installed inside a building or structure, the service raceway should not extend more than 15 feet inside. An exception to this rule is when conductors are protected by customer-owned supply-side overcurrent protection, in which case there is no limit to the length of the service raceway. The service disconnecting means should be readily accessible and properly labelled with an identification plate.
Outside Location: For outside locations, the service disconnecting means can be installed on the building or structure or within sight and within 15 feet of it. It is important to ensure that the outside location is easily accessible and complies with local and state codes.
Multi-Occupancy Buildings: In buildings with multiple occupancies, each service drop or lateral must terminate in metering/service equipment. Each occupant should have access to their own service disconnecting means, and a permanent identification plate must be placed at each location. There should not be more than six service disconnects supplied from a single transformer.
Metering Equipment: The electric meter is typically located between the incoming electric power lines and the point of distribution to the house. This allows the utility company to measure and record electricity usage. Newer electric meters may have digital displays, while older ones may have clock-like devices with dials that record the number of revolutions driven by the electricity.
Safety and Accessibility: It is important to ensure that the meter location complies with safety regulations and is easily accessible for maintenance and readings. This includes considerations for the height and placement of the meter, as well as any necessary grounding and protection of the service entrance conductors.
Local and State Codes: Always refer to the specific local and state electrical codes for the final determination of meter locations. These codes may include additional requirements or exceptions based on the unique circumstances of the installation.
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Meter maintenance
Regular Testing and Maintenance
Electric meters should be regularly tested and maintained to ensure accurate readings and efficient functioning. This includes both preventative maintenance and addressing any identified issues.
Performance Meter Tests
Performance meter tests cover climatic, electrical, and mechanical aspects. Climatic tests consider the influence of external climatic conditions, while mechanical components can be manually tested. Electrical components undergo various tests to ensure they meet standards, including an essential electromagnetic compatibility test.
Electromagnetic Capability Test
This two-part test ensures the energy meter isn't affecting or being affected by nearby equipment. The emission test checks that the meter isn't radiating or conducting electromagnetic interference (EMI) beyond acceptable limits. The immunity test ensures the meter isn't susceptible to EMI from nearby equipment, including conducted and radiated EMI sources.
Hour Meters
Deploying hour meters across equipment helps forecast wear and tear, plan downtime, and manage spare parts inventory. This enables condition-based servicing, avoiding premature part replacements and reducing the risk of failures due to overuse.
Smart Meters
Smart meters are an increasingly common technology that sends usage information to utilities via radio signals or cellular communication. This allows for better pricing and helps homeowners understand their usage patterns. Smart meters also eliminate the need for manual reading, reducing labour costs for utility companies.
By prioritising meter maintenance and staying proactive with testing and repairs, accurate readings and efficient energy usage can be maintained.
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Frequently asked questions
An electricity meter records electricity consumption within an acceptable level of accuracy. This ensures that the consumer is billed correctly and the utility company does not suffer a loss.
There are two main types of electricity meters: electromechanical meters and automated ("smart") meters. However, in the US, if you install microgeneration capacity, you must install a third type of meter, a bi-directional meter.
Smart meters contain a battery and a communication chip that sends meter-reading data by radio signal to a mobile collector. This information is sent to the electricity utility several times a day, and the utility sends customer consumption information to the energy supplier for billing.
In 2022, there were about 119 million smart meter installations in the US, accounting for about 72% of total electric meter installations.
