Electric Meter Reading: A How-To Guide for Residential Properties

Understanding how to get an accurate electric meter reading is one of the most empowering steps you can take as a homeowner. Whether you’re keeping tabs on energy consumption, verifying your electricity bill, or simply learning more about your home’s electrical system, having a clear grasp of how your meter works can save you money, prevent billing errors, and help identify potential electrical issues early.

At Faraday Group, we’ve been serving Sydney’s residential, commercial, and industrial communities for over 60 years. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of clients better understand their energy usage—and in 2025, that means not only reading your meter but also navigating the evolving world of smart meters, solar generation, and usage data. Let’s take a look at how you can stay informed and in control of your power consumption.

Types of Electricity Meters in NSW

Before diving into how to you get your electric meter reading, it’s helpful to know what kind of meter you’re dealing with. In NSW, most residential properties have one of the following:

1. Analog (Clock Face) Meters – Rare these days but still present in older homes, these meters display multiple clock-style dials.
2. Digital Accumulation Meters – Show a single number representing the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) used.
3. Digital Interval Meters – Record electricity usage in 30-minute intervals.
4. Smart Meters – The current standard in NSW. These meters transmit usage data remotely and offer near real-time tracking.

You can identify your meter type by checking the front panel, or your energy provider can confirm it for you.

How to Take Your Energy Meter Reading

For Digital Meters (Accumulation or Interval)

Simply read the numbers on the digital screen from left to right, ignoring any digits after a decimal point. These numbers show the total kilowatt-hours consumed.

For Analog Meters

Read the dials from left to right, noting the number each pointer is closest to. If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower number.

For Smart Meters

Smart meters are typically easier to read, with LCD displays that cycle through different screens. Look for the screen labeled “Total kWh” or “Import kWh.” Some smart meters also show solar export data, time-of-use details, and voltage.

To get the most accurate picture of your usage:

• Take readings at the same time each day.
• Record readings in a notebook or spreadsheet.
• Subtract yesterday’s reading from today’s to calculate daily usage.

If you’re unsure, give us a call—our licensed electricians are always happy to walk you through it over the phone. Give us a call on 02 9809 5299.

What If Your Energy Provider Doesn’t Take an Energy Meter Reading?

If you provider doesn’t take a physical electric meter reading, they may estimate usage based on your past history. Estimated bills can be higher or lower than actual usage, often leading to confusion or disputes. You can:

• Submit a self-read (photo with date) to your provider
• Request a re-read
• Contact the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) if billing disputes arise

Regular readings help prevent nasty surprises and keep your billing accurate.

How to Read and Understand Your Energy Bill

Your electricity bill includes:

• Meter readings (start and end)
• Usage charges, calculated in kWh
• Supply charges, usually a daily fixed rate
• Feed-in credits, if you have solar
• Tariff type: Single rate, Time-of-use, or Controlled load

Compare the meter reading on your bill to your actual meter. If they don’t match and your bill is marked “Estimated,” you may have received an estimated bill due to a missed meter read. In this case, you can submit your own reading to your provider or request a licensed electrician to check if your meter is faulty.

Learn more about reading your bill here.

How Is Your Energy Bill Calculated?

Your bill is typically calculated as:

(kWh used) x (Usage Rate) + (Daily Supply Charge) – (Solar Feed-in Credit, if applicable)

Time-of-use tariffs charge more during peak hours and less during off-peak. Controlled load tariffs apply to specific appliances like electric hot water systems.

Understanding how your bill is calculated puts you in the driver’s seat when choosing plans, conserving energy, or detecting abnormalities. This is why an accurate electric meter reading is so important.

Choosing or Switching Energy Providers

If you feel you’re overpaying, consider comparing providers through the Energy Made Easy tool by the Australian Government. Look for:

• Rates per kWh
• Discounts
• Contract terms and exit fees
• Green energy options

Faraday Group can assist in verifying your meter and energy data before you switch.

Smart Meter Technology: What’s New in 2025?

Smart meters have come a long way. Many now connect with mobile apps, letting you:

• Monitor real-time electricity usage
• Track solar energy exports
• Set usage alerts
• Identify high-consumption devices

If you don’t yet have a smart meter, Faraday can help. We’re proud to support local Sydney homeowners as an approved installer of PLUS ES smart meters.

Known for their reliability and widespread use across Australia, PLUS ES meters are a practical, future-ready choice for managing your household energy efficiently. Installing one will give you clearer insights and more accurate billing. Our licensed electricians can help ensure your switch to smart metering is safe and compliant.

For more information on Smart Meters and their installation? We have an article that explains all the details in more detail. Click here to take a look.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

While basic meter reading is a DIY-friendly task, there are times when professional help is essential:

• Your meter is damaged or giving irregular readings
• You’ve recently installed solar and need setup verification
• You’re considering a tariff change or provider switch
• Your home’s power system has been acting unpredictably

Faraday Group provides same-day electrician service in Sydney for urgent concerns, and we always take the time to explain our work in plain, friendly language.

Customer Experiences: Why Faraday Group is Sydney’s Trusted Name

Jacqueline G, May 2025
★★★★★
“I am very grateful for the advice your electrician, John has given me. He has been very helpful. Your service has been the best and prompt. You took the trouble to assess whether it was a simple case or whether it required an electrician to come out soon. I was really grateful that the problem could be easily fixed over the phone, thus saving me unnecessary cost. I appreciate this very much. I would not hesitate to recommend your company with confidence.”

Sally F, April 2025
★★★★★
“I can’t recommend Faraday Group highly enough. They came to my electrical rescue the day before a long weekend when I had no power. Richard and John were both extremely responsive, polite, prompt and professional and Pauline in the office was really helpful. Thank you so much!”

Maria V, March 2025
★★★★★
“All owners and staff of this business are exceptional. From Pauline down to their apprentices, they are just top notch. Faraday are professionals through and through. Faraday have done work for me personally. They are prompt, tidy, thorough and fairly priced. Recommend them for anyone needing a sparky.”

We’re very proud of our positive customer feedback. Positive, honest reviews are the cornerstone of every trusted and experienced business. If you’d like to read more, click here.

Why Choose Faraday Group?

As a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider, Faraday Group offers more than just everyday electrical services. We handle complex installations, smart meter upgrades, and home energy assessments with the same approachable professionalism we’re known for. Whether you need advice, installation, repair, or a second opinion, our team is just a phone call away.

We treat every home like it’s our own—with respect, transparency, and the kind of honest communication you’d expect from a neighbour, not a salesperson.

Take Control of Your Home’s Energy

Being able to take an electric meter reading is just the beginning. When you understand how your meter, your bill, and your energy provider work together, you’re better equipped to:

• Save money
• Avoid disputes
• Make informed choices about providers and tariffs
• Detect electrical faults early

Faraday Group is here to help you every step of the way with licensed electricians who explain things clearly and respectfully—never condescending, always in your corner.

Need help reading your meter or resolving a billing issue? Contact Faraday Group today for friendly, expert support.

You can contact us on 02 9809 5299 to discuss your current needs, and get advice on upgrading your meter, or click here to put in your requirements, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote.