How to Read Your Meter

Your electric meter is precise and operates from AC electric pulses. We periodically inspect your meter for durability and accuracy. It is accurate to within one-tenth of one percent. This is better than a watch.

Meters seldom fail, and if they do, it usually benefits you. They may run slower, but they rarely run faster. If you can read a clock and make short calculations, then you can read your meter. The amounts above each dial show the kilowatt-hours on that dial. When a dial makes ten revolutions, the dial to the left makes one revolution.

Dials revolve clockwise or counterclockwise. When the dial pointer is between numbers, record the smaller number. If the pointer is directly on a number, look at the dial to the right. If the pointer has passed zero, record the number to which the dial is pointing. If it has not passed zero, record the prior number.

Record the readings as shown in this example.

Subtract the previous reading from the current reading to obtain the kilowatt-hours used. To track your use, read the meter on the “meter reading” or the “service to” date noted on your electric bill. Calculate your use by the day, week or month.     

Comparing Bills

When you compare electric bills with a neighbor, it is like comparing apples to oranges. Families do not have the same habits, appliances, or billing cycles. Track your use by comparing bills in the same month, but for different years. Consider any Flint Energies increases and climate or living habit changes. This is a more accurate guide, and it will reveal your conservation results.