Electrical Metering Services: Facts That You Need to Know

Electric meters are fitted in commercial as well as

domestic establishments, to keep a tab on the

amount of electricity used. As per the kind of

establishment and the load of that particular

establishment, the single phase or two phases or a

3 phase metering service is installed. The bill is

generated by calculating the net usage of

electricity over a cycle of a specified period. The

main unit of measurement is Kwh.

Single Phase: Cost effective and widely used in

residential establishments. They are used in areas

with low demand and if the residence has many

electrical appliances such as multiple ACs then a 2

phase or three phase metering system are needed.

Three Phase: When the same load is supplied by

three different supplied the system is called a

three phase metering service. It is mostly used in

high demand areas such as commercial

establishments or large residences. Unlike the

previous types of single and two phase, three

phase is a significant development as all the three

voltages are completely in equilibrium.

Solar - Gross, Net, Sun Power: Apart from the

regular kind of meters which we all know about

solar power uses a different technology. Upgrading

your meter would mean you can check the amount

of solar power that is fed into the grid.

Off-Peak Time of use: Generally, demand for

electricity falls between 11 pm and 7 am. This is

because of the reduction in activities significantly.

To encourage people to utilise this time power

companies offer discounts and special offers during

this period. Since, most people are asleep during

that time of the night it is generally utilised by

charging all the appliances. That helps save lots of

money on electric bills and also keeps consumption

levels from falling drastically. So it is a win-win

situation for both the consumer as well as the

power supplier.

How you judiciously use off-peak electricity will

depend on the kind of meter you have at home.

Here is a look at some of the things that you need

to consider.

Single meters have a uniform rate and do not

have such discounts on offer. As matter of fact

there is nothing called Off-Peak time rates in

case of single meters.

There are types of meters called Interval

Meters which measure the electricity consumed

at peak time, off-peak time as well as shoulder

rates.

Two rate meters are programmed to maintain

just two records. They measure the electricity

consumed in peak time and during off-peak

time.

Off peak or Controlled metering devices use a

uniform rate for all the appliances in your

house apart from one. For example, a hot

water service which consumes power only at

off-peak hours and is kept out of this meter as

it is charged at off-peak hour rates.

Electric metering is a concept that’s gained a lot of

prominences today. If you are from Sydney,

always look out for a level 2 service provider

Sydney. A level 2 electrician will know all about

the electrical works and will help you to solve your

problems efficiently. Looking for a level 2

electrician also ensures your safety.