Reading a Residential Meter

Reading your electric meter is a valuable tool to in helping you understand energy use in your home.

Types of Meters
There are several different kinds of meters used to measure electricity, including the four-dial, five-dial and digital meters. Most Austin Energy homes utilize the five-dial electric meter.

How a Meter Operates
An electric meter operates the same way as a car. The meter registers ones, tens, hundreds and thousands of kilowatt-hours.

The first, third and fifth hands on the meter move clockwise around the dial. The second and fourth hands move counter-clockwise.

Reading a Five-Dial Meter

Reading a Meter
	Start with the right dial.
	Record the number indicated on the face of each dial.
	Continue until you have read all five dials.

Meter Reading Tips
	Always record the lowest number if the hand points between two numbers.
	Sometimes, a hand will seem to be pointing exactly at a number. To find out if the hand has really reached that number, look at the dial to the right. If the hand on that dial has passed zero, then you should record the number; otherwise, record the lower number.

Sample Meter Reading

Access to Meters
It is important that our meter readers have clear and free access to your meter.

Meter Access
	Grant access to property (unlock gates as appropriate).
	Remove debris from around your meter. City regulations require three feet of clearance in front of meters.
	Contain dogs and other animals.