Everything you need to know about electric meters.
So, the majority of homes across the United States will have an electric meter. However, how much do you really know about them? With a focus on becoming net-zero, by the end of 2020, it is expected that 107 million smart meters will have been installed in the US.
But do you know how they work? Did you know there are different types of meters? Do you know where to locate your meter number on an electricity meter?
Well, if you don’t know the answer to those questions, you’re in the right place. This guide will cover everything you need to know about electric meters in the United States.
Let’s get started.
What Is An Electric Meter?
An electric meter is a measuring device that calculates how much electricity has been consumed by your household. They will usually be installed in the location where power lines enter your building.
Think about how in a car there is a mileage display. Electric meters work in similar ways, working constantly and displaying the total amount of power that has been used.
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and to get a meter reading, you take two readings, subtracting the second reading from the first. There are also different types of meters, which we will cover later. However, they all have the same function, as well as similar components such as:
- A unique meter number that is used to identify your consumption.
- A display of total electricity consumption.
What Types Of Electric Meters Are There?
Most utilities have two types of electric meters. They are automated meters (smart meters) and electromechanical meters. There are also bi-directional meters for those who install micro-generation capacity. Let’s look at the two main types:
- Digital meters – known as electric meters, there is a digital display as well as connectivity and some instant functionalities.
- Analogue meters – known as electromechanical meters, there is an analogue display without any connectivity.
What Is A Meter Number On An Electric Meter?
Each electric meter has a unique number that ensures your consumption is identified and billed correctly. When submitting a meter reading, you’ll need to provide your meter number to your provider.
Where Can I Find My Meter Number On An Electric Meter?
This will be located on the face of your electricity meter. For digital meters, it will be below the consumption screen. For analogue meters, it will be located at the bottom of the electricity meter.
How Do Electrotechnical Meters Work?
Electromechanical meters have components such as:
- A plastic or glass cover to reduce tampering.
- A register.
- A nameplate.
- A unique meter number.
- A disk that turns when power is consumed.
- Dials that measure the total amount of power consumed.
These types of meters are the most common in the United States. They have an electrically conductive, non-magnetic metal disk. This disk rotates at a speed that is proportional to the amount of electricity consumed. But how does it work?
Firstly, two electromagnets surrounding the disks produce magnetic fields, propelling the disk. One of the electromagnets is powered by the current being demanded by the building’s electrical circuits, the other by the power from the incoming power lines.
To slow the rotation, two permanent magnets exert a proportional opposing force. As the disk rotates, the numbers on the dial go up. This is how the total energy consumed is measured.
How Do Smart Meters Work?
Smart meters, also known as automated meters are almost the same as traditional electromechanical meters. However, they contain a communication chip and a battery.
The communication chip transmits your meter reading data to a mobile collector via radio signal. The meter reading data will be sent several times each day to your provider.
This data is then used to provide you (the customer) with an accurate energy bill for the consumption used.
Why Should I Use A Smart Meter?
Smart meters allow your energy provider to see when you use your electricity as well as how much you use with precision. By using automatic meter reading (AMR), your electricity usage is tracked and your utility company will use the average price for the previous month to determine your bill.
Across the globe, electricity prices change numerous times each day, with soaring prices when demand is high, as well as falling when demand is low. Smart meters provide an accurate energy bill, rather than using the blanket average cost.
Also, smart meters can be read remotely, so it also saves money in both labour and operating costs. For the consumer, the benefit is helping you to save money each month by consuming power during off-peak periods.
How Can I Get A Smart Meter?
To get a smart meter, you should contact your energy provider. They will advise you of any smart meter upgrades that are available. Also, many providers can install your meter for free.
What States Have Opt-Out For Smart Meters?
New Hampshire and Vermont are the only states that grant customers the ability to refuse smart meters at no cost. There are also at least seven states that allow consumers to opt-out of smart meter installation.
What Are Bi-Directional Meters?
Bi-directional meters must be installed by micro-generation owners. Bi-directional meters measure the flow of power that is produced as well as the flow of electricity that is used by the buildings. These meters can measure electricity produced as well as used.
What Types Of Bi-Directional Meters Are There?
Two types of bi-directional meters exist. There are bi-directional interval meters and bi-directional cumulative meters. They are almost identical, however, interval meters take readings at set intervals such as every hour. Cumulative meters don’t work this way.
Who Owns The Electric Meter?
Whoever your utility is will own the electric meter in your home. The utility has the responsibility of installing, maintaining and reading your meter. Electric meters have anti-tampering features such as a sealed face. It is extremely dangerous to mess with your meter, as well as a crime.
To move your electric meter, you should contact your utility to ask if it will be possible. Certain meters can’t be moved, depending on numerous factors such as the location and size of the property.
How Do I Take A Meter Reading?
Those with a smart meter don’t need to take a meter reading as consumption information is sent directly to your utility.
Those with electromechanical meters or analogue meters will see their electricity consumption on a series of dials. To take a meter reading, write down the numbers from left to right.
Those with digital meters will see their consumption on an LCD screen. This will show the total kWh consumption.
Those with bi-directional meters will see two displays. One with kWh received and the other with kWh delivered. For both directions, the total kWh will be displayed. For electricity received, you will see the code “01″ and for electricity delivered, you will see the code “46”. 888 between readings is a segment test.
How Can I Tell If My Electric Meter Reading Is Accurate?
Every type of meter and model will be tested thoroughly by your utility before they are installed. Your utility has the responsibility of servicing and maintaining your electricity meter.
Electromechanical meters have a 30-year lifespan, with smart meters lasting around 15 to 20 years. They both will need servicing once in a while before being replaced.
Can I Install My Own Electric Meter?
No. It is unsafe and illegal to install your own electric meter. Tampering or removing an electric meter is a safety issue. This may result in the termination of your service, as well as being considered a crime. If the installation is done improperly, it may result in serious injury or death.
Are Smart Meters Safe?
There are some concerns around smart meters as they emit RF (low-energy) radiation. However, the American Cancer Society state that it is “nearly impossible to conduct a study to prove or disprove a link between living in a house with smart meters and cancer”.
To show an example, a standard smartphone emits more radiation exposure than a smart meter.
Who Do I Contact If My Electric Meter Isn’t Working?
If your meter isn’t working, or you think it needs servicing, you should contact your utility company. Your utility provider has the responsibility for maintaining your electric meters.
What Happens To My Electric Meter When I Move?
When you move home, the electric meter will not change or move. Simply contact your electricity supplier in advance of moving to notify them. An employee from your electricity supplier will take a final meter reading before you leave.
What Should I Do To My Electric Meter If I Switch Energy Provider?
No matter what energy provider you switch to, your utility will stay the same. This means that your meter will stay the same and nothing will change. Your energy supply should not be affected when switching either.