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Understanding your meter
By reading your meter, you can verify that you have been billed correctly.
YOUR ELECTRIC METER
On your electric meter there are either four or five dials similar to diagram 1 below. The dials rotate in opposite directions.
In this example, the pointer on Dial A rotates clockwise, while Dial B pointer rotates counter-clockwise.
Diagram 1
READING YOUR METER
Start with the left dial on the meter (Dial B on a four dial meter and Dial A on a five dial meter).
Remember, the dials rotate in opposite directions.
- Let's read diagram 1, assuming the date is June 12.
- Now, read the meter seven days later, on June 19.
CALCULATE YOUR ENERGY USAGE
- Read your meter at the beginning and at the end of a specific period of time (as in example above).
- Subtract the first reading from the second reading to calculate the number of kWh used. Example.
Dividing the kWh used by the number of days between readings gives the kWh day. Example. Print a worksheet.
Links to more information:
- New 'drive-by' meters
- Interesting facts about SMUD meter reading
- Calculate your energy use
- Understand your bill
- Manage use