Pennsylvania Electric: Insight into How to Read “Old School” Analogue Electric Meters
Smart meter technology is sweeping the country, which means that many residents will be able to simply go online and get the information supplied to their electricity providers. For many residents though, this technology is still a couple of years away.
If you still have an old analogue meter, here’s a simple explanation of how to read it.
The first thing you should know is that your Pennsylvania electricity company bills you by the kilowatt hour (kWh). Your meter provides this information in the following manner:
The “old-school” electric meters look like a clock. As you use energy in your home, a set of small gears (hands) move in the meter. The number of revolutions your meter makes is recorded by the clearly visible dials on the face of the meter.
If the hands of the meter are moving really fast, it means you’re using a lot of electricity; if they’re moving slowly, you’re using less.
To read your meter, record the numbers on the dials from right to left. Write down all the numbers on the dial to your extreme right first; record the rest as you get to them.
Note: When the pointer is directly on a number, look to the right of the dial. If the pointer has passed zero, use the next highest number. If the dial hasn’t passed zero, use the lower number. If the hand of a dial happens to fall in between two numbers, use the smallest number.
How to Ensure That Your Electric Meter Reflects Savings
Now that you know what you’re looking at when you read your meter, here’s how to take make sure it reflects some savings.
As you’re billed per kWh, the easiest way to save on your Pennsylvania electric bill is to pay as little as possible for each one.
To do that, choose the right plan. For example, if you’re using a prepaid electric service plan, you may be paying 13, 14 or 15 cents per kWh, as opposed to 10 or 11 cents on a traditional electric plan.
Even if you have to pay a deposit, switching to a lower cost plan will save you money in the long run because electricity is an ongoing need.
Call your Pennsylvania electric supplier and ask about no deposit electric service plans you may qualify for.
You can also compare electrc rates in PA.
Tags: electricity service, PA Electricity Service, Pennsylvania
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