Simple Instructions For Reading Your Smart Meter
Elster REX Smart Meter
Display Quantity
Shows the metered quantity or other displayable information.
Rate Identifier
This feature is not used in Canada.
Power/Energy Unit Identifier
When "kWh" is displayed, the number displayed is the energy consumption measurement in kWh.
Real Energy Indicators
The left arrow indicates energy received, the right arrow indicates energy delivered, the square is the pulse indicator.
Reading a smart meter display
Sample 5 digit total energy value
A smart meter records energy consumption like a mechanical meter.
In the above image "kWh" is displayed, this indicates that the smart meter has recorded total energy consumption of 10460 kWh.
The black square beside "kWh" will blink indicating energy is being consumed. The faster the square is blinking, the more energy is being consumed.
The arrow indicates the direction energy is flowing. A right arrow indicates energy consumption. A left arrow indicates energy being generated within the premise and put back onto the electrical grid.
Sample network registration status sample display
The smart meter will alternate between the total energy value reading and an association number shown as above. This number is used for field staff to determine which collecter meter the smart meter is associated to.
Sample error code displayed on the LCD
If the smart meter has a display similar to above, (starting with an "E") this code indicates a potential problem with the smart meter. Enersource Hydro Mississauga should be contacted if you see a display similar to above.
LCD test
The smart meter tests the display segments by lighting all the segments on the LCD as shown. This is to test that all segments of the display are working correctly and does not affect consumption metering.
Simple Instructions For Reading Your Mechanical Meter
Sometimes, we are unable to read your meter and your account is billed using an estimated reading. This could happen for a number of reasons, such as a locked gate, no one was home to allow access to the meter, or the meter itself was blocked. Our meter reader will leave a card at your home if a reading cannot be taken.
You can use this handy illustration and the instructions below to learn how to read your own meter.
This illustration shows a sample meter reading of 2,486
Step 1 - Locate your electricity meter, which can usually be found in your basement or backyard. It records the amount of electricity that your home has consumed in kilowatt hours (kWh). The meter is mounted on a grey metal box with a round, glass front that has an analog face with four dials. If the meter is in your basement, it is a separate, stand-alone device.
Step 2 - On the four dials, some hands move clockwise and others move counter-clockwise. From left to right, read and record the placement of the hand on each dial. If a hand is between two numbers, read the lowest number, except when the hand is between 0 and 9, in which case you record the number 9.
Meter Reliability
Every electricity meter in Canada is verified and sealed in accordance with the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and its regulations, ensuring readings are accurate. Once installed, meters are checked through sample testing and periodic replacement programs by Enersource Hydro Mississauga and government inspectors to ensure they continue to give accurate readings. Meters cannot be verified, sealed, reverified or resealed by anyone other than an inspector or accredited meter verifier. If you would like to know more, see Industry Canada's Business and Consumer Web site, www.strategis.gc.ca and click on Measurement Canada