How to Read Your Meter

Reading Your Residential "Smart" Meter

All homes across Blue Ridge Electric's service area now have "smart" meters in place. These meters make it easier than ever to read your meter and take control of when and how you use energy in your home.

A smart meter looks very similar to the old dial-type meters except the display is now digital and clearly shows numbers. If you look at your meter you will notice that the digital reading sequence changes every few seconds through two or three displays depending on the type of service you have.

• First, all meters will have a display of "8's" across the digital panel. This is simply a diagnostic "self-check" performed by the meter.
• This may be followed by a 30-minute peak wattage demand display reading that can be used for trouble-shooting by Blue Ridge personel.
• Finally, all meters will have a current kilowatt hour (kWh) display (as shown in this image.) *Members are encouraged to check their electricity usage by reading this display at regular intervals to better understand when and what affects their energy consumption.

And, if you ever need to contact Blue Ridge about your smart meter, you can find the identifying meter number directly below B.R.E.M.C.

What will my smart meter do?

The smart meter system provides a number of significant benefits.

1. It measures how much energy you use and when you use it - providing you with the opportunity to take action to reduce your energy bill.
2. Stores electricity use information - providing you the opportunity to review your daily kWh electricity use information through the internet and MyUsage.com. (Take action - sign-up today.)
3. Greatly reduces the chance of estimated electricity bills - smart meters will automatically and regularly send your meter readings to the cooperative.