How to Read a Smart Meter
Read the display on your smart meter to track your home energy usage throughout the day.
Steps
- 1
Find your smart meter outside your home.
It is usually on an exterior wall near your electric panel in a gray box.
- 2
Look at the digital display screen
on the meter. It cycles through different readings automatically every few seconds.
- 3
Wait for the reading labeled "KWH"
or "Total" to appear. This number shows the total electricity your home has used.
- 4
Write down the number or take a photo
of the display. The number is measured in kilowatt-hours and is usually five or six digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the smart meter send readings to my utility company automatically?Show
Yes, most smart meters send your usage data to the power company so you do not need to give manual readings.
How is a smart meter different from an old meter?Show
Smart meters have a digital screen and send readings wirelessly. Old meters have spinning dials and need a person to read them.
Can a smart meter tell me how much I am spending?Show
The meter shows your total usage. Your utility company's app or website can show how much that usage costs in dollars.
What does the number on my smart meter mean?Show
The number is the total kilowatt-hours used since the meter was installed. It resets when your utility company replaces the meter.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .