Your CoServ Electric meter is designed to accurately measure the amount of electricity you use. We measure the amount of electricity you use in terms of kilowatt hours. A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour. If you operate a 100-watt light bulb for ten hours, you have used the equivalent of one kilowatt hour.

Most electric meters have five dials. Note that some of the hands on the dials turn clockwise and others turn counterclockwise. We’ve indicated this with arrows on our diagram below.

Read each dial separately beginning with the dial on the left. Notice that each dial will have a “pointer.” If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the number that the pointer has just passed (the lower number).

When the pointer on the dial seems to be exactly on the number, check the next dial to the right. If the pointer on that adjacent dial has passed zero, that indicates the dial has made a complete revolution and you can write down the number the pointer is on. If it has not passed zero, record the next lowest number to the pointer.

Just For Practice
Look at the illustrations below and try the readings.

Note: If your meter has an odometer-type register or a digital output screen, simply read the numbers from left to right. You may have already had an advanced meter installed as part of the CoServ eCoGrid electric distribution technology initiative. Visit the residential or commercial meter display page in the eCoGrid section to view how to read those meter displays.

If you still have questions about your meter, contact Customer Service for assistance.

Looking for ways to save money on your electric bill? For energy saving tips and information about our Think Green Rebate program, visit TOGETHERWESAVE.