What those numbers on your meter actually tell you
Your electric meter measures how much electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The main number you need to know is the one that keeps climbing — that's your cumulative usage since the meter was installed. Your utility company reads this number once a month and charges you based on how much it increased from the previous month. Everything else on the meter — dials, lights, or digital displays — is either showing you that same running total in different ways or giving the utility company information they need for billing and grid management.
The meter itself does the math automatically. You don't need to calculate anything. You just need to know which number to look at and what it means when you see it change.
Key Takeaways
- The main number on your meter is your cumulative kilowatt-hours used since installation, and it only goes up — never down or resets.
- Your monthly bill is based on the difference between this month's reading and last month's reading, not the total number itself.
- Analog meters have five or six dials that spin like clock faces; digital meters show the number on an LCD screen and are much easier to read.
- If you want to track your own usage between billing cycles, write down the meter reading on the same day each month and subtract the previous month's number.
- A meter that stops moving or moves backward suggests a problem — contact your utility company rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Reading an analog meter with dials
Analog meters have five or six circular dials stacked vertically, each one numbered 0 through 9. Each dial spins like a clock hand as you use electricity. The dials alternate direction — one spins clockwise, the next counterclockwise, and so on. This alternation is intentional and makes the meter more accurate.
Read the dials from left to right, top to bottom, just like reading a book. For each dial, write down the number the pointer has just passed. If the pointer is between two numbers, always write down the lower number — even if it looks like it's almost at the next number. The only exception is if the pointer is between 9 and 0; in that case, write down 9. Once you've written down all six digits in order, you have your meter reading.
For example, if your dials show pointers at 3, 4, 7, 2, 5, and 1 (reading left to right), your meter reading is 347,251 kWh. If the pointer on the third dial is between 7 and 8, you still write 7, not 8.
Reading a digital meter
Digital meters display your usage as a number on an LCD screen, similar to a digital clock. The number you see is your cumulative kilowatt-hours used. Some digital meters show this number constantly; others cycle through different displays and you may need to wait a few seconds for the main reading to appear. The reading is usually five or six digits long.
If your digital meter has buttons, do not press them — they are for utility company technicians only. straightforward read the number displayed and write it down. If the screen shows multiple numbers cycling through, the largest number that appears is typically your usage reading. If you're unsure which number is the usage, contact your utility company and ask them to clarify what you're looking at.
Understanding what your meter reading means for your bill
The number on your meter is a running total that only increases. It has been climbing since the day your meter was installed, sometimes for decades. Your utility company does not charge you for that total number — they charge you for the difference between this month's reading and last month's reading.
If your meter read 45,230 kWh last month and reads 45,567 kWh this month, you used 337 kWh during that billing period. That's what appears on your bill. The utility company multiplies 337 kWh by your rate per kilowatt-hour (which varies by region and sometimes by time of day) to calculate your charge.
This is why a meter that resets or goes backward would be a serious problem — it would make billing impossible. Meters are built to prevent this from happening.
Tracking your own usage between billing cycles
You can monitor your electricity use without waiting for your monthly bill. Write down your meter reading on the same date each month. Subtract the previous month's reading from the current month's reading. The result is how many kilowatt-hours you used that month.
If you want to track usage week by week or day by day, the same method works — just record the reading more frequently. This can help you spot patterns: maybe you use more electricity on hot days (air conditioning) or cold days (heating), or you notice a spike after you start using a new appliance. Some utilities offer online portals where you can see your usage broken down by day, which is easier than reading the meter repeatedly.
What the other numbers and lights on your meter mean
Most meters have additional information printed on the face: a meter number (used by the utility to identify your specific meter), the utility company's name, the meter's maximum capacity, and sometimes a test number. These are for the utility company's records and billing system, not for you to use.
Some meters have a small red or amber light that blinks when electricity is flowing through the meter. This light blinks faster when you're using more electricity — it's a visual confirmation that the meter is working and detecting your usage. A light that never blinks, or one that blinks constantly even when all appliances are off, may indicate a problem worth reporting.
Digital meters sometimes display error codes or status messages. If you see anything other than a five- or six-digit number, take a photo and contact your utility company. Do not attempt to clear the display or change any settings.
When to contact your utility company about your meter
Contact your utility if the meter reading stays the same for more than a few days (suggesting it's not measuring usage), if it moves backward, if the display is cracked or illegible, or if you notice a sudden spike in your bill that doesn't match your usage pattern. You should also report it if the meter is making unusual noises or if water or insects are visible inside the meter housing.
Do not open the meter, remove it, or attempt any repairs yourself. Meters are sealed by the utility company and tampering with one is illegal. If you suspect a problem, take a photo of the meter and call your utility company's customer service line. They can send a technician to inspect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my meter reading go up so fast?
The meter measures all electricity flowing into your home, including heating, cooling, water heating, and appliances running simultaneously. High usage is normal in summer (air conditioning) or winter (heating). If the increase seems unusual, check whether a new appliance is running constantly, or ask your utility company to verify the meter is working correctly.
Can I reset my meter to lower my bill?
No. Meters are sealed and tamper-evident — any attempt to open or reset one is illegal and will result in penalties from your utility company. The meter is designed to measure accurately and cannot be adjusted by the customer.
What if I can't read my meter because it's in a hard-to-reach place?
Contact your utility company and let them know. They may be able to read it remotely if your meter has that capability, or they can arrange a time to read it in person. You are not required to provide access to unsafe or unreasonable locations.
Do smart meters work differently than regular meters?
Smart meters display usage the same way — as a cumulative kilowatt-hour number — but they send that reading to your utility company automatically rather than requiring a technician to visit. The number you read means the same thing, and your bill is calculated the same way. Some smart meters also let you view your usage online in real time.
Why does my meter have multiple dials or displays?
Older analog meters sometimes have dials for different purposes — one set for peak usage, one for off-peak usage, or one for a separate circuit. Your utility company will specify which reading to use for billing. If you're unsure, call and ask them which dials or numbers explore to your account.