Trystan Casey
Reading a digital electric meter is a straightforward process. The reading is displayed on the screen, and you can simply write down the numbers from left to right, ignoring any decimals or extra digits at the end. If you have a smart meter, it will usually send readings to your supplier automatically, but you may need to take a reading yourself in some situations, such as when switching suppliers. If you have a Landis+Gyr meter, the display will cycle through various screens, ending with 888888 to indicate the start of a new cycle. If you have an Economy 7 tariff, you will need to press 6 on the keypad four times to see your day/peak and night/off-peak readings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meter | Landis + Gyr, Elster REX (REX1, REX2, REX2 solar meters) |
| Display | Electronic or digital display, LCD display |
| Display test | Verifies that all of the display is working properly |
| Code identifier | Code 10 |
| Description | The amount of energy used is constantly monitored and recorded by the meter |
| Meter reading | Read the first 5 dials from left to right, ignore any red dials or dials marked 1/10 |
| Meter reading cycle | Cycles between 4 different readouts |
| Total consumption | 4787kWh |
| Peak demand use | 9.47 kW |
| Delivered voltage | 240V |
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What You'll Learn
Reading a Landis+Gyr meter
Landis+Gyr meters are smart meters that monitor your daily power usage and are compatible with homes that have a solar electric system. These meters have an LCD display that shows your home's electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
To read your Landis+Gyr meter, first, identify your meter type, which in this case is Landis+Gyr. Next, verify that the display is working properly by performing a display test. You can then identify the code and description. The code is displayed in area 3.
To read your kW demand, wait for the meter LCD display to cycle to code 10. Your maximum kW for the day will be displayed, which is the maximum average load over a 15- or 30-minute interval, depending on your price plan.
If you have a single-rate meter, the reading may already be showing on the default meter screen. If not, press the 'A' button to scroll through the display options until you see 'R01', and the reading will be shown in the bottom right of the LCD screen.
If you have a dual-rate meter, press and hold down the 'B' button for roughly 5-10 seconds, then tap the 'A' button.
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Understanding display tests
Display tests are an important part of understanding your digital electric meter. These tests verify that the display is working properly and ensure accurate readings. Here are some key points to understand about display tests:
- Verification of Display Functionality: The primary purpose of a display test is to confirm that all segments of the digital display are functioning correctly. This includes checking that each digit or segment is lit and visible. If any part of the display is malfunctioning or not displaying properly, it will be evident during the test.
- Identifying Display Readouts: Digital electric meters typically have multiple display readouts that cycle automatically. These readouts provide different types of information. For example, one readout may show your total electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while another may display your current usage or demand in kilowatts (kW). Understanding which readout represents what information is crucial for interpreting your meter readings accurately.
- Comparing Readings: Display tests can also involve comparing current readings with previous ones. By noting the numbers at different points in time and subtracting them, you can calculate your electricity usage over a specific period. This comparison helps you track your regular energy consumption and identify any sudden or drastic changes that could indicate a problem.
- Malfunction and Error Indicators: Display tests help identify potential malfunctions or errors in your digital electric meter. For instance, if the numbers on the display are frozen or not incrementing regularly as you use electricity, it could be a sign of a malfunction. Additionally, error codes such as "88888" may appear, indicating a specific issue with your meter or utility company.
- Requesting Meter Accuracy Tests: If you suspect that your digital electric meter is not functioning correctly or displaying accurate readings, you can contact your utility company to request a meter accuracy test. They can inspect and test the meter to ensure it is working properly. This is especially important if you notice anomalies in your electric bill or sudden changes in your energy consumption patterns.
By understanding display tests and regularly checking your digital electric meter, you can ensure accurate readings, track your energy usage effectively, and promptly address any potential issues with your meter's functionality.
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Reading a digital imperial meter
Once you have identified that you have a digital imperial meter, simply note down the four numbers from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red. For example, if the meter shows 7241, then your reading is 7241.
It is important to provide your energy supplier with regular readings to ensure accurate billing. If you don't send readings, your supplier will estimate your usage, which may result in higher or lower bills.
If you have a two-rate or 'dual-rate' meter, there will be two rows of numbers. The top row (labelled 'low' or 'night') shows how many units of cheaper electricity you've used, and the bottom row (labelled 'normal' or 'day') shows how many units of standard-price electricity you've used. Write down the numbers shown from left to right, ignoring any red numbers.
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Reading a smart meter
Smart meters are digital meters that securely capture and store energy usage data using digital technology. They are usually equipped with two-way radio communication, which they use to record and automatically send your energy use data to your energy supplier.
Smart meters display six different sets of information (or registers) at three-second intervals, 24 hours a day. The register ID in the top-left corner indicates what type of information is being shown.
For example, the 01H reading on the left-hand side of your meter indicates electric usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To see how much electricity you've used in a given period (e.g. one week), write down this number at the beginning of the period, then subtract it from the number displayed at the end of the period.
The 03A reading on the left-hand side of your meter indicates electric demand in kilovolt-amperes (kVa).
The Landis+Gyr smart meter uses a digital readout that alternates between three displays. The initial screen displays '888888…' indicating that the unit is functioning properly. The next screen shows the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy usage. The five-digit number is cumulative and may include leading zeros. The final screen shows the current electric usage.
The SmartMeter™ electric meter by GE uses a digital readout with one standard display: a five-digit display showing the total kWh of energy used, followed by the three-digit voltage level and three-digit current electric usage.
Other types of meters
There are several other types of meters, including standard meters, which are clock-like devices that record the amount of electricity used, and dial meters, which have several dials that each turn to point to a number between 0 and 9.
Your supplier needs readings from your meter to work out your bills.
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Reading a two-rate meter
If your meter has two digital displays, one for each rate, simply write down the numbers shown, from left to right, for each display. Ignore any numbers in red.
If your meter has only one digital display, it will either flash up the different rate readings in a cycle or have a button that you need to press to make the display cycle through the readings for the different rates. Press the button to cycle through the readings and write them down. Most meters will have a label that tells you which rate is 'low' or 'night' and which is ''high' or 'normal'. If there's an ''N' on the label, this stands for 'normal' and not 'night'. If you're unsure which rate is which, make a note of the numbers in the morning and check again later that day.
For Landis and Gyr SMETS2 electricity meters, press 'B' to light up the screen. Press 'A' to select 'No' when given the option for a meter boost. Then press the 'A' button several times to cycle through the meter's screens until you see your 'Total Act Export' reading in kWh.
For ELSTER/Honeywell AS302P SMETS2 electricity meters, press the top button 'A' to wake up the display backlight and show the 'General' menu. Then, push the bottom button 'B' to scroll through the menu options: 'General', 'Boost', and 'Registers'. Select the 'Registers' menu by pressing button A, then push button B to scroll through 'Cumulative', 'Rates in Use', and 'Rates 1-48'. Select the 'Rates 1-48' menu by pressing button A, then use the push button B to scroll through and select 'Imp. R1' and 'Imp. R2'.
For EDMI SMETS2 electricity meters, hold 'OK' until it enters the 'Main Menu', where you will see 'Billing' appear. Your meter reading should auto-display on the main screen.
For Kaifa SMETS2 electricity meters, press the top button (K1) to enter the menu system. Your meter will automatically switch between four different screens, and you don't need to push any buttons. Your export reading is on the screen that shows '-A value' in kWh.
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Frequently asked questions
Landis+Gyr is a smart meter that securely captures and stores energy-usage data using digital technology. The display cycles between different readouts, showing your total kWh consumption, peak demand use, and voltage.
A standard meter with a clock-type display records the amount of electricity you use in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The dials represent the amount of electricity used in single units, tens, hundreds, thousands, and ten-thousands of kWh, from right to left.
Some two-rate meters only have one digital display, flashing up different rate readings in a cycle. The bottom row, labelled 'normal' or 'day', shows how many units of standard-price electricity you've used. Write down the numbers shown from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red.
