The Importance of Kilowatt Meters

The kilowatt meter is used to read the amount of energy used by a home, business or building. They are fundamental to the maintenance of power consumption.

Types
There are three main types of kilowatt meter used for measurement.
- Electromechanical (standard): These kilowatt hour meters are the basic ones found on houses and offices. They work by counting the revolutions of a metal disc inside the machine that rotates in proportion to the amount of power being used. The machine itself requires energy, about two to three watts.

- Electronic (display screen): LCD or LED displays are used on these meters to show power readings, allowing the owner to track the jumps and dips in usage and calibrate accordingly.

- Multiple tariff (price): Multiple tariff meters work on variable rates that allow the electricity retailer to charge clients different prices at different times of the day. This flexibility enables them to be cost effective, distributing/reducing energy when it is needed most/least.


Practical Uses

Different meters can be used in different ways, depending on the user’s needs. Today’s kilowatt meters are convenient, practical and easy to install and operate.

- Appliance: Also known as plug-ins or plug loads, these are used to measure appliances. As the name implies, they are simply plugged in to a wall socket and are ready to read. The user then plugs an appliance into it and they can see the power consumption.

- Smart: The next generation of meters, these offer the ability to measure power quality, power outage notification and give real-time read-outs.

- Prepaid: These are often used for customers who are considered payment risks. Users are required to pay in advance for electricity they will be using. If credit runs out before the allotted time, electricity is cut off.


Saving Energy

Reducing energy costs is a common goal for home and business owners. Methods and technologies are always being implemented in an effort to save money and minimize impact on the environment.

- Time of day: TODs are programmed to use less or more energy, depending on the time of day, month or season. It automatically controls loads for on-peak, off-peak and mid-peak times.

- Power export: Some people go beyond their electric companies and have generating equipment installed. Excess energy is exported to the power grid, causing the meter to run backwards, reimbursing the user.


All of these are examples of steps being taken to save money, energy, cover redundancies and be environmentally helpful. Customers and companies are able to work together to find the best solution to home and business electricity needs.

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