There are two types of electricity and natural gas meters in Alberta:
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
- Analog Meters
Depending on the type of meters you have at your house, here's a step by step how to read them. Once you learn how to read your own electricity and natural gas meters, you can monitor, record and submit your own energy consumption. Your distribution company sends your meter readings to your retailer, who uses the recorded information for your energy bills. It's important to remember that your distribution company may not be able to use your meter readings if they're not consistent with your previous records.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Also known as Smart meters, an AMI is a digital version of a traditional electrical or natural gas meter attached to the outside of your house. Once installed by your utility company, the device sends daily information on your electricity or natural gas usage to you and your utility companies. Having an AMI meter eliminates meter reader visits and allows for your actual - instead of estimated - consumption to be billed every month.
Analog Meters
If you have analog meters, your distribution company may need to estimate your electricity and natural gas usage. Find out how to read your dials so that you can submit your own energy consumption readings.
3 Steps to Reading Your Electricity Meter
- Similar to a car odometer, read the dial from left to right
- Record the number that the dial is pointed at. If it’s not pointed at a number directly, round down to the next lowest number
- Submit your recording to your distribution company on the same day as you read the meter
4 Steps to Reading Your Natural Gas Meter
- Similar to a car odometer, read the dial from left to right
- Record the number that the dial is pointed at. If it’s not pointed at a number directly, round down to the next lowest number. One exception: if the dial is between 0 and 9, use 9
- Submit your recording to your distribution company on the same day as you read the meter
- Don't report the 1,000 dial. Consult it instead. If the 1,000 dial is 5 or higher, round up by one digit
Residential vs. Commercial meter
The type of meter at a property determines the rates charged by your retailer. Unlike residential meters that just record total energy used in a one month period, commercial meters measure both hourly and peak demand energy use. The distribution company might install a commercial meter on residential property if the property owners have a home-based business and require a reliable supply of energy at all times. If you have a commercial meter on your property, your utility bill is going to be higher because of higher distribution charges. There are no regulations in place requiring the retailer to confirm what the property is being used for when the billing customer changes. It is your responsibility to ask your retailer about the type of meter installed on your property and ask that it be changed.
Sub-meters
If you live in an apartment or condominium, your building may have bulk-metering installations to allocate energy costs to you and other residents. Measurement Canada ensures the accuracy of these devices through measurement standards and a certification program.
Have a question about the sub-metering devices in your building? Contact your landlord, condo board or property management company. You can also review the Sub-Meters for Rental Units Electricity and Natural Gas Consumer Tip-Sheet.
For more information on reading your electricity or natural gas meters, contact your distribution company.
Concerned about accuracy?
If you are concerned about the accuracy of your meter, there are a few steps you can take:
- Monitor your usage. Your usage can spike for several reasons including hot/cold weather, new appliances, more people being home, etcetera.
- Contact your distributor so they can investigate.
- File a complaint with Measurement Canada.
