Understanding your electricity meter: a quick guide

23 April 2024

Getting to know your electricity meter is the first step towards feeling more empowered when it comes time to your electricity bill.

With the hit of cost of living and surge in electricity prices in Australia recently, it’s no wonder homeowners and renters are wondering how your electricity meter actually works.

Keep reading to find out more about different meter types, potential issues to look out for, and when to talk to the professionals (that’s us!).

Why should you care?

Understanding your meter goes beyond just paying your bills. It means you can:

Track your energy consumption: monitor your usage patterns and identify times where you can potentially reduce consumption.
Identify potential faults: early detection of a faulty meter can prevent inaccurate billing and unnecessary costs. That means less time on the phone to your electricity company, a win in our books!
Make informed decisions: having the knowledge to choose energy-efficient appliances and negotiate better plans with your electricity provider is a gamechanger.

Types of electricity meters:

There are two main types of meters in Australia:

Traditional accumulation meters: these have dials that rotate to display the total cumulative energy used in kilowatt-hours (kWh). These meters are also known as flat rate meters, where you are charged the same amount of electricity, regardless of when you use it.
Smart meters: these offer a more detailed picture, providing real-time usage data, allowing you to track consumption by time and even identify high-usage appliances. Smart meters also cut out meter reading fees and charges, as well as being more accurate, transparent and reliable.

What to watch out for:

What to watch out for:

Here are some signs to watch out for that your meter might be playing up:

Sudden increase in your electricity bill: while price fluctuations can occur, a significant and unexplained jump could indicate a faulty meter over-reading your usage.
Error messages on digital smart meters: look for messages like ‘fault’ or ‘error’ that indicate problems with the meter.
Unusual movement in the dials: The meter should display some movement when appliances are turned on. No movement while using electricity, or unusually fast movement when not using much, could indicate a sign of malfunction.

When to call a licensed electrician:

If you suspect a faulty meter, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Contact us so that we can come to your home, investigate the issue and address it professionally. Tampering with your meter is not only illegal, it’s also extremely dangerous. We want to keep you and your family safe!

By understanding your meter and staying vigilant, you can be an informed energy consumer, manage your bills effectively, as well as contribute to a more sustainable future.

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23 April 2024

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Understanding your electricity meter: a quick guide

Why should you care?

Types of electricity meters:

What to watch out for:

What to watch out for:

When to call a licensed electrician:

Looking for help with your electrical needs?

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