How do I read my energy meter?

Reading your energy meter is a straightforward process. Most residential electric meters display usage through a series of numbers. You may find either a digital or analog meter. For a digital meter, simply note the displayed numbers, which represent your energy consumption in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The meter will typically show the total usage since it has been installed. If you have an analog meter, you will see several dials. To read the meter, start from the leftmost dial and read the number that the pointer is indicating. If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower number. If the pointer is directly on a number, check the next dial to the right. If that pointer has not passed zero yet, use the lower number; if it has passed zero, use the higher number. After you have recorded all the numbers, you can determine your energy usage. For any specific questions about your meter or its readings, it may be helpful to refer to the current web page for additional guidance.