How Do I Know If My Electric Meter Is Off?
How can I find out if my electric meter is out of order? Electric meters are used to record the resistance of electricity when it passes across a conductor. That resistance is then measured on your monthly bill, and therefore, the greater the amount, the more your electric bill. If you find that your meter is consistently reading a higher amount than normal, you may want to contact a qualified electrician to get your meter fixed.
You have three options in case your meter is off: first, call your local electricity distributor and ask for a detailed explanation as to why your meter is out of order; second, call the energy board of your area; third, send a letter to the distributor or the board. You should contact your energy board within 30 days of noticing the problem to ensure that they are able to send a technician to your home to fix the problem. In most cases, a technician from the energy board will be sent to your home within one business day.
How do I know if my power company is charging me too much electricity? Usually, the prices for electricity are regulated by the state, although there are certain areas that are not covered. For example, if your electric meter is reading higher amounts than allowed by your power company, you may be able to call them up and ask them why there is a problem. More often than not, they will simply disconnect your meter and resell it to you at a higher rate.
Can I prevent this from happening by installing special “electric meters”? Yes, in some states, you can prevent the occurrence of incorrect readings by enrolling in a special electric meter school. These schools provide training on the proper installation of electric meters. In most cases, all that you need to do is show proof that you have purchased a new meter and call your power company to connect the meter. In some cases, you will be provided with a special sticker that has your identification number on it.
Why should I hire an electric meter inspector when I could just as easily do the same with my home’s electrical system? A professional electric meter inspector will have access to specialized tools that most average consumers do not. Specifically, he will be trained to detect problems that ordinary people may not even be aware of. If you hire an inspector who has already undergone training and instruction in electrical maintenance, such as how to read electrical meters, your meter inspection can run smoothly and professionally without you having to waste time correcting an error that you yourself caused!
Does it cost more to go to a training electric meter inspection course? Unfortunately, yes! Although it may seem like a lot of money to pay for a specialized inspector to come out to your house to inspect your electric meter, it actually costs much less than what you would spend on a technician doing the same thing at an electrical installation business or in a phone book. Therefore, investing in a power meter reading kit can be a great way to save money on meter readings.
When my electric meter shows an excessive amount of consumption of electricity, it can affect my power company, which in turn can increase my electricity rates. You can avoid this costly mistake by having your power company regularly test your electric meter for accuracy. The cost of these tests are minimal and the results are quick so that you will know if you have a problem before your monthly electricity bill arrives.
If you have a high efficiency dual zone electric meter, you can also have your power company come out and take a look at your panels. The test they will perform will give them an accurate idea of whether or not your panels are providing adequate levels of energy to run your home. Whether you need a full service inspection or if you simply need to have your old meter readings checked, an electric meter inspection is a great option to choose.