Electricity meters record a properties energy consumption and are used by all retailers to calculate charges and consumption used at ones property. Different properties will have different types of meters - each recording and displaying usage in a different way.
There are three types of electricity meters:
An accumulation meter can come with different faces. A clock display or a odometer display. All record the total electricity usage used as a single rate as they cant identify what time of the day usage is being used. These meters will need to be sighted by your meter reader whom uploads your meter reading into your distributors system before sending it to OVO Energy.
How to read:
Read the dials from left to right. The clocks turn in opposite directions. If the first one turns clockwise, the next will turn anti-clockwise (and so on). When the handle is between two numbers, always record the lower number.
Handle between two numbers? When the handle is in between 9 and 0 - record 9. When the handle is in between all other numbers - record the lower number (For example - if the handle is in between 7 and 8 - record 7).
Handle on or close to a number? If the handle on the next clock is in between 9 and 0, then record the number before the number that the clock handle is currently on.
Smart meters are remotely read and are currently being rolled out in NSW. Unlike basic and interval meters, smart meters do not require meter readers to attend your property and obtain a reading (unless your smart meter has been set up for manual reads).
Smart meters record your energy usage every 30 minutes and are available to view within 72 hours of consumption.
How to read:
As smart meters are remotely read, you will not need to read and submit any self reads (unless your distributor has set your meter to manual reads). We do encourage to review your reads to ensure your billing is accurate.
The ability to read and understand your smart meter will also help with staying on top of the energy your are consuming as smart meters record usage on a 30 minute interval basis - making it easier to identify your peak hours and where your using the most energy.
Interval meters record usage every 30 minutes. These meters are electronic and have a digital display. These meters are not smart meters and still require a meter reader to attend your property and download the 30-minute interval data into a handheld computer which is then sent to us.
How to Read:
Interval meters have a digital display and look like smart meters, however unlike smart meters they need to be manually read. When there is a number displayed on the left side of the meter display screen, this number indicates what screen you are viewing.
Now that your all things meters - its time to submit your self read.