How to read a meter

Sometimes, we are unable to read a meter. This is usually because we can’t access the meter or it's too dangerous - for instance, meter is behind a locked gate or dogs prevent access.

If this happens we follow the rules and guidelines for estimating data set out by both the Australian Energy Market Operator and the National Electricity Retail Rules.

If we can’t read a meter, an estimated meter reading is sent to your retailer, who then sends you an estimated bill. Retailers must ensure your bill indicates that it has been estimated.

To calculate this estimated meter read, we may use data from the same billing period from the year before.

Estimated meter reads are reconciled when we gain access to the meter and read the data correctly – which is usually at the next scheduled meter read. If you used less electricity than estimated, your retailer will adjust your account. At this stage you should contact your retailer to confirm their policy regarding bill reconciliation.

Meter faults and meter reading errors are extremely rare. All electricity meters must be accuracy tested by the manufacturer before they are installed. They must also comply with the National Electricity Rules, National Measurements Act and relevant Australian Standards.

We carry out random accuracy checks to make sure the meters are in good working order. This data, and our processing of this data, is audited and approved each year by the Australian Energy Market Operator.

However, if you are concerned about your meter reading or meter, you can ask for a meter test or a special read via your electricity retailer. Where a meter is found to be inaccurate, a notification is sent to your electricity retailer stating that the meter needs to be replaced. Your energy consumption may be reimbursed via your retail bill if required. Any enquiries about when an inaccurate meter is to be replaced or any potential reimbursement, should be discussed with your electricity retailer.

Note: This information is only valid for accumulation and interval meters owned by Ausgrid that have not been installed under the Power of Choice rule change. If you have a smart meter you will need to contact your retailer for further information.

Step 1 - Talk to your electricity retailer

Before requesting a meter check or a special meter read, talk to your electricity retailer to get a good understanding of your energy use.

Your retailer may discuss what appliances are being used inside your home, including any new appliances, to see if it correlates with the electricity use shown on your bill. Your retailer may compare your electricity bill with the same period in previous years.

Make sure your retailer explains the information on your bill so you can properly compare it.

Step 2 - special readings and meter tests

If after discussing your bill with your retailer and where the retailer confirms that the meter is owned by Ausgrid, you still believe your meter read is not correct, you can ask your retailer to request us to conduct a special meter reading or meter test.

Special meter readings involve a meter reader visiting your home or business to perform a meter read. Our analysis shows Ausgrid meter reads are highly accurate, with an error rate of 0.04%.

A meter test involves a technician visiting your property to conduct technical checks to make sure your meter is working correctly. This may require a power outage. The results of the meter test will be provided to your retailer.

The fees for a special meter readings and meter test are set by the Australian Energy Regulator and only reflect the cost of providing this additional service. This fee is passed on to your retailer.

If there was a mistake reading your meter, or if there is a fault on your meter and it is replaced the fees will not be applied.

Current fees can be found in Ausgrid’s Connection Policy – Connection Charges.

How to read a dial display

Dial meters have between 4 and 6 dials that alternately move clockwise and anti-clockwise.

Dial display

Steps for reading your dial display meter

1. to read the display, stand directly in front of the meter so you can clearly see the hands on all dials
2. start with the clock that is furthest on the left and write down each number. If the hand points in between two numbers, write down the lowest number (note – write down 9 if the hand points between 9 and 0)
3. do the same with the next dial as you move to the right (ignore any red dials)

 

The meter dials below show consumption of 46,925.

 

 

How to read a cyclometer display

A cyclometer display is easy to read and is similar to the odometer in your car. Simply write down the six digits displayed. This meter shows consumption of 25,030 kWh.

Cyclometer display

How to read a digital display

The newest accumulation meters have a digital display that is also easy to read. Simply write down the digits displayed. This meter shows consumption of 94 kWh.

Digital display

 

How to read an interval display

Interval meter displays show you the total amount of electricity you use for each tariff on the meter, such as domestic load, Off Peak Hot Water or Solar Generation. Details of the different tariff registers displayed on the electronic display of the meter can be found in ES3.

Ausgrid programs its interval meters to automatically cycle through the available displays every 6-8 seconds. You can press the button (if available) to more quickly move through the meters display.

Interval meters always display the date and time before cycling through to other displays. (Note that the time is always in Eastern Standard Time, as this is required by National Electricity Rules). After the date and time, the first display is always the total kWh.

 

How to read a smart meter

Smart meters displays show you the total amount of electricity you use for each tariff on the meter, such as domestic load, Off Peak Hot Water or Solar Generation. Details of the different tariff registers displayed on the electronic display can be provided to you by your retailer.

Please note that meter reading number may not be the same as the start and finish reads on your electricity bill. To accurately determine your consumption for the quarter you will need to read your meter on the next scheduled read date, which is identified on your bill.

Most customers have one electricity meter per tariff, however depending on the connection arrangement; there may be two or more meters per tariff. To determine your electricity usage, all of the meters associated with the tariff should be read. Your electricity bill will identify which meters are associated with each tariff.

Special locks can be installed so our meter readers can get access through locked gates. To find out more or order a lock please call 1300 664 582 or visit www.integritysecurity.com.au.

Looking after your pets

You can help us read your meters safely by taking any of the following steps with dogs and other animals that may pose a risk. Where possible:

• keep the animal in a safe and secure place inside the house or other building
• keep the animal securely in a yard or area separate from your meter box
• keep the animal securely restrained by chain or rope at least five metres clear from your meter box and not on the access route to the meter box location.