Otis Singleton
With electricity prices at an all-time high in the Philippines, it is important to know how to read your submeter for electricity from Meralco to compute your monthly bill and understand your energy consumption. This will help you manage your budget more effectively and reduce electricity usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meter Reading | The basis of your monthly Meralco bill. Continuously records your electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is read monthly by a meter reader to determine your bill amount. |
| Digital Meters | Read the number on the digital display to get your Present Reading. |
| Electromechanical Meters | Have four or five dials that move in opposite directions to record your electricity consumption. To get your Present Reading, record the smaller number each pointer just passed. |
| Meter Number | The unique identification number assigned to the electric meter installed at your property. Each meter has a specific number that allows Meralco to track and monitor electricity consumption. |
| Current Reading | Indicates the meter reading on your scheduled monthly meter reading date. |
| Billing Determinants | Your monthly bill includes a breakdown of different charges, unbundled as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. |
| Residential Customers | The billing determinant is based on monthly kWh consumption. |
| Taxes | Your bill includes various taxes depending on your location and rate class. 11.7% of your bill encompasses local franchise tax, value-added tax (VAT), tax recovery adjustment charge (TRAC), and Missionary Electrification Charge. The remaining 5.7% covers system loss, feed-in tariff allowance, and subsidies for low-income customers and senior citizens. |
| Sub-meters | Customers are in charge of purchasing and installing sub-meters, but they can seek assistance from Meralco-certified electrical experts (CBM). |
| Multi-metering Setup | Each unit can manage its own electric service and avail of special programs. The setup assumes a single location for all Meralco meters serving individual units. |
| Nominal Voltage | For residential services, the standard nominal voltage is 230V according to the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC). |
| Wattmatters Calculator | An online tool to compute your appliances' electricity consumption. Displays the daily and monthly costs of using an appliance based on your municipality. |
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What You'll Learn
- Reading a submeter: Read the number on the digital display for your Present Reading
- Calculating monthly kWh consumption: Subtract the previous reading from the present reading and multiply by the Mult
- Meter types: Electromechanical meters have four or five dials that move in opposite directions
- Meter installation: Customers purchase and install sub-meters, but CBM-certified electricians can help
- Multi-metering: Large buildings with multiple units can use a multi-metering setup for individual unit management
Reading a submeter: Read the number on the digital display for your Present Reading
Reading your electricity submeter is a straightforward process. If you have a digital meter, simply read the number shown on the display—this is your Present Reading. This number represents your current kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption, which is the basis for your monthly Meralco bill.
It's important to note that your Present Reading may not be your Pres Rdg, which is the meter reading on the next monthly meter reading date shown on your bill. The Pres Rdg is used to calculate your registered kWh consumption for the month, which is included in your bill.
If you have an electromechanical meter, the process is slightly different. These meters have four or five dials that move in opposite directions to record your electricity consumption. To get your Present Reading, record the smaller number that each pointer has just passed. For meters with four dials, dials A and C move counter-clockwise, while dials B and D move clockwise. For five-dial meters, dials A, C, and E move clockwise, and dials B and D move counter-clockwise. If a pointer lands between two numbers, always choose the lower number.
It's worth mentioning that Meralco does not install sub-meters; customers are responsible for purchasing and installing them. However, customers can seek assistance from electrical experts certified by Meralco (CBM) for proper installation.
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Calculating monthly kWh consumption: Subtract the previous reading from the present reading and multiply by the Mult
To calculate your monthly kWh consumption, you must first understand how your electricity bill is computed. Your Meralco bill includes various taxes depending on your location and rate class. The 11.7% share on your bill covers the local franchise tax, value-added tax (VAT), tax recovery adjustment charge (TRAC), and Missionary Electrification Charge. The remaining 5.7% covers system loss, feed-in tariff allowance, and subsidies for low-income customers and senior citizens.
To calculate your monthly kWh consumption, you need to subtract the previous reading from the present reading and then multiply that by the Mult (Multiplier) shown on your bill. This will give you your registered kWh consumption for the month.
There are also online tools available for computing your appliances' electricity consumption, such as the Wattmatters calculator, which can help you understand how each of your appliances contributes to your overall consumption.
It is important to note that your meter reading will never reset to zero. The number you see on your meter represents the kilowatt-hours (kWh) that have been used since the meter was first installed. So, you will only see this number grow, making it crucial to compare your meter readings every month.
Additionally, you can calculate your daily kWh consumption by adding up the energy used by all your appliances in 24 hours. For each device, multiply its power by the time you use it daily. This will help you understand your energy usage and make informed decisions to reduce your electricity bill.
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Meter types: Electromechanical meters have four or five dials that move in opposite directions
Electromechanical meters are clock-like devices that record electricity consumption through a set of small gears that move in response to the electricity flowing through them. The number of revolutions is then recorded by the dials on the meter's face. The speed of these revolutions depends on the amount of current drawn, with more power consumed resulting in faster gear rotations. These meters typically have four or five dials that move in opposite directions.
To read an electromechanical meter with four dials, you should note that dials A and C move counter-clockwise, while dials B and D move clockwise. For a five-dial meter, dials A, C, and E move clockwise, and dials B and D move counter-clockwise. To get your present reading, record the smaller number each pointer has just passed. If the pointer lands between two numbers, always choose the lower number.
Reading meters is a simple process, but it's important to ensure that you're reading the correct meter. Check that the meter number on your bill matches the meter you are reading. You can find the meter number on the second page of your bill, under the "Metering Information" section.
Additionally, understanding your energy consumption can help you manage your budget more effectively. Meralco bills include various taxes and charges that contribute to the overall cost. These may include the local franchise tax, value-added tax (VAT), tax recovery adjustment charge (TRAC), and Missionary Electrification Charge. By breaking down your bill and calculating the consumption of individual appliances, you can make more informed decisions about your energy usage.
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Meter installation: Customers purchase and install sub-meters, but CBM-certified electricians can help
If you are a customer looking to purchase and install a sub-meter for your electricity, you may want to consider hiring a CBM-certified electrician to help with the installation. While it is possible to install a sub-meter yourself, hiring a qualified electrician will ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
CBM-certified electricians are licensed by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) and certified under the Private Electrical Contractors Certified by Meralco (PECCBM) program. They are trained to handle a wide range of electrical installation and maintenance tasks, including the installation of sub-meters.
By hiring a CBM-certified electrician, you can rest assured that your project is in safe hands. These electricians adhere to industry best practices and are committed to providing exceptional customer service. They will guide you through the entire process, from planning to installation, and will answer any questions you may have along the way.
To find a CBM-certified electrician in your area, you can visit the PECCBM website at www.peccbm.ph or send an inquiry to their email address, [email protected]. You can also reach out to companies like CBM Group Ltd, which provides a range of electrical services, including installations, in select locations.
Remember, understanding your energy consumption is crucial for managing your budget effectively and reducing your environmental impact. By installing a sub-meter, you can track your electricity usage and make informed decisions to optimize your energy expenses.
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Multi-metering: Large buildings with multiple units can use a multi-metering setup for individual unit management
Submetering is a setup that allows building owners to measure electricity usage in individual units. The building receives electricity at a cheaper commercial rate or bulk residential rate, and the owner can bill individual units based on their actual consumption.
Submetering is a popular choice for large buildings with multiple units. It offers several advantages over direct metering and master metering. Firstly, submeters promote energy conservation among residents, as individuals are incentivized to reduce their electricity usage when billed according to their consumption. Secondly, submeters are more cost-effective for building residents, as electricity is purchased in bulk by the building owner at a cheaper rate than direct-metered electricity. Thirdly, submeters are convenient for building owners, as they only pay a fixed amount for electricity used in common areas.
While submeters offer benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks. The installation of submeters can be costly, with prices ranging from $400 to $500 per unit. Additionally, there may be extra charges involved in taking monthly readings.
In Chicago, for instance, large multifamily residential buildings can choose between direct metering and submetering for their electricity consumption. In the case of direct metering, each apartment unit is individually metered and billed by the utility company at a residential rate. For multi-unit buildings, the utility also sends a separate bill for electricity usage in common areas, charged at a commercial retail rate. On the other hand, submetering allows the building owner to purchase electricity at a lower commercial rate or bulk residential rate. The owner can then bill individual units based on their actual consumption, providing a fair and efficient system for residents.
In conclusion, submetering is a viable option for large buildings with multiple units, offering benefits such as energy conservation, cost savings, and convenience. However, the initial installation costs and monthly reading charges may be a consideration for building owners when deciding between different metering systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Simply read the number on the digital display to get your Present Reading.
Electromechanical meters have four or five dials that move in opposite directions to record your electricity consumption. Read the dials from left to right and check the smaller number on the respective pointers. If the pointer lands between two numbers, choose the lower number. This will give you your Present Reading.
Your bill amount is derived using monthly rates and billing determinants or "base" as seen in your bill. For residential customers, your billing determinant is based on your monthly kWh consumption.
Your Meralco bill includes various taxes depending on your location and rate class. 11.7% of your bill encompasses the local franchise tax, value-added tax (VAT), tax recovery adjustment charge (TRAC), and Missionary Electrification Charge. The remaining 5.7% covers system loss, feed-in tariff allowance, and subsidies for low-income customers and senior citizens.
Meralco personnel are not allowed to install sub-meters. Customers are in charge of the purchase and installation of the sub-meters, although they may seek assistance from electrical experts Certified by Meralco (CBM).
