How to pay for electricity by meter: taking and calculating readings

It is necessary to transmit the data of an individual meter within a certain period of time. This ensures payment is calculated according to current tariffs. But in order to avoid discrepancies and errors, you need to correctly take the electricity meter readings. In fact, there is nothing complicated here, although not everyone knows where to look and which button to press to rewrite the necessary information.

How to take readings

Depending on the model of the electricity meter, different methods for obtaining information are used.

Old meters

Mechanical induction devices have been popular for quite some time. At the moment, they are gradually giving way to electronic IPUs, which provide better control of electricity consumption. Although the demand for classic meters is gradually decreasing, they are still found in private houses and apartments.

The device is single-tariff (single-phase), so there is no need to perform complex calculations to take readings. It is recommended to select a conditional day of each month for writing off data from the electric meter, preceding or included in the period for submitting information.

The procedure is quite simple:

1. A standard mechanical apparatus has a dial with 5–7 digits, and as it works, the numbers change from 0 to 9. After one department has completed a full revolution, the next one begins. The dial is divided into two halves: the left one shows how many kW/h have been consumed since connection, the second (red) is separated by a comma and indicates tenths (hundredths) of a kilowatt.
2. It is necessary to write off the main part of the characters 000024.8 (seven-digit order). The basis is 000024 kW/hour.
3. Depending on the requirements of the management company or resource supplying organization, the information received must be submitted without changes or the difference between the current and previous values ​​must be independently calculated. So, if over the past month the readings were 000003, then: 000024–000003=21 kW/h.

In both old and new mechanical electricity meters, the numbers that are not taken into account in the calculations are clearly highlighted at the end of the number row

The process may be difficult due to the counter resetting to zero after reaching the maximum value. In such a situation, you must first write down the old data. For example, for May (conditionally) it was 999969 (without a decimal point), the new information is 000003 (1 is substituted at the beginning, the result is 1,000003).

1 000003–999969=34 kW/h (current readings).

It is necessary to understand that any illegal attempts to change information about electricity consumption will lead to serious trouble.

On a note! There are mechanisms in which there is no division into main and auxiliary numbers. In such a situation, you need to read and enter all available numbers into the receipt.

New counters

Modern single- and three-phase metering devices differ significantly from mechanical ones. The main difference is that IPUs are equipped with an electronic dial and can be multi-tariff, which provides significant savings in energy consumption. To correctly determine the readings, you need to understand the available devices.

The following varieties are distinguished:

• single tariff, the readings of which are not divided into zones;
• two-tariff – T1/T2;
• three-tariff – T1/T2/T3.

Data is collected from such devices as follows:

1. You need to press a button on the mechanism body. It can be called differently, depending on the IPU model, most often - “PRSM”, “Input” or “Frame”.
2. After pressing, the required values ​​sequentially appear, which have the corresponding signatures - T1, T2 or T3.
3. The main current indicators of 5–6 digits to the decimal point are written off one by one, depending on the type of counter.
4. On an electronic display, the characters are separated by a noticeable comma, and in some IPUs the hundredths and tenths are significantly smaller.
5. The information is transmitted directly to the management company or supplying organization or calculated independently.

In electric meters with an electronic display, after pressing the control key, the data is displayed on the screen: the number of kilowatt-hours consumed and the tariff number (indicated in the upper left corner)

Explanation of symbols for various electronic devices:

• Single tariff. Reflect the total resource consumption without division.
• Two-tariff. T1 – day zone (from 7 am to 11 pm), T2 – night period (from 23.00 to 7.00).
• Three-tariff. T1 – peak zone, which has two time periods: from 7.00 to 10.00 and 17.00 to 21.00; T2 – night (from 23.00 to 7.00); T3 – half-peak zone (from 10.00 to 17.00 and from 21.00 to 23.00). Time periods may vary by region.

The multi-tariff IPU must be correctly connected and pre-configured so that it records readings exactly for the allotted period. In some situations, this may require agreement with the utility provider.

Before purchasing and connecting multi-tariff meters, you should consult your energy supply company about the possibility of using them in your region

The cost in the invoice from the management company differs from that calculated independently: how to figure it out?

You need to start by checking the latest and previous readings with the Criminal Code. The calculations on receipts are done by a computer program, but the data is entered into it by a company employee. The human factor has not been canceled - an error can creep in at any stage.

If the readings of the homeowner and the settlement organization coincide, then the following reasons for the discrepancy are possible:

1. The tariff for cold and/or hot water has changed.
2. When calculating the cost of water, the owner took into account only water consumption, omitting/not noticing the tariff for sewerage.
3. A household or apartment is charged more than the required amount of water for general household needs.

It is best to contact the Criminal Code with a statement indicating the latest water meter readings. The statement may contain a request for clarification or, if the owner is confident that he is right, a request for recalculation and return of money.

How to calculate electricity using a meter

To eliminate errors, it is necessary to carry out the calculation correctly.

Where to find tariff information

To independently determine the amount of electricity payment for the current period, you need to know exactly the cost of the service. Depending on the region of the Russian Federation, as well as additional parameters (type of settlement, availability of certain electrical appliances and rates at different times of the day), the tariff for the population may differ significantly.

You can find out the cost for a specific territory as follows:

1. Check on the website or at the office of the utility service provider. The data must be indicated on stands in specialized payment centers.
2. When tariffs increase, information is published in the official press and on the website of the regional commission that deals with this issue. The department’s website also has an online calculator that roughly calculates the fee for a specified time period.
3. Look on the receipt. During the period when tariffs increase, some discrepancies are possible.

Attention! It is not recommended to use unofficial sources of information, as they may contain unverified or outdated information.

Calculation

It is not difficult to calculate the payment for consumed electricity; to do this, you need to follow a certain scheme, depending on the type of device.

Single tariff electricity meter

Conventionally, the current readings are 000354, for the last month – 000296.

The tariff for Moscow residents who live in gasified houses that do not fall under the territory equated to rural areas for the second half of 2022 is 5.38 rubles. per kW/h.

Based on the available values, the calculation of the expense and payment amount for the current month will be as follows:

354–296=58 kW/h x 5.38 rub. = 312.04 rub.

Two-tariff IPU

Electric meter readings for the new billing period: T1 – 000898, T2 – 000576. Previous values: T1 – 000840, T2 – 000539.

The tariff for the peak zone in Moscow (in houses with gas stoves) is 6.19 rubles, for the night period - 1.92 rubles.

You need to determine consumption and payment in stages; first you need to calculate current consumption:

T1. 898–840=58 kW/h x 6.19=359.02 rub.

T2. 576–539=37 kW/h x 1.92=71.04 rub.

Total for the month: 359.02+71.04=430.06 rub.

Three-tariff electricity meter

It is necessary to take readings from three zones: T1 – 000587, T2 – 000456, T3 – 000832. Data for the past month: T1 – 000545, T2 – 000415, T3 – 000780.

Tariffs by time: peak zone – 6.46 rubles; night – 1.92 rubles; half peak – 5.38 rub.

To find out how much you need to pay per month, you need to count your expenses sequentially.

T1: 587–545=32 kW/h x 6.46=206.72 rub.

T2: 456–415 = 41 kW/h x 1.92 = 78.72 rub.

T3: 832–780 = 53 kW/h x 5.38 = 285.14 rub.

Next you need to add up all the data:

206.72+78.72+285.14=570.58 rub.

This is the amount you need to pay for light.

It is taken into account that the final figures in the receipt may differ slightly: you need to pay attention to the “ONE” line, which reflects the general readings for the house and is included in the payment.

Meanings of numbers and their decoding

There are eight digits on the counter dial, 5 of which are black and 3 are red. Red ones indicate the number of liters used. They should not be considered, since payment for consumed water is made in cubic meters. That is, we are only interested in black numbers indicating the number of cubic meters of water we used during the reporting period.

Next you need to proceed as follows:

• Write down the required numbers in a notepad or notebook in the order in which they are shown on the device.
• Round the last figure up if the number of liters is more than 500.
• Multiply the resulting value by the established tariff for water payment and enter the resulting value into the paybook. Now you can go to the nearest bank branch to pay for consumed water.

Please note: Before taking readings from the water meter, make sure that the pipes in the house do not leak, and that the taps in the bathroom and kitchen provide shut-off water at normal levels. If all sources of water consumption in the house are turned off, and the meter continues to “increase the numbers”, even at a minimum speed, it means that there is a leak in the home network that needs to be identified and eliminated to prevent paying for unused water

If all sources of water consumption in the house are turned off, and the meter continues to “increase the numbers”, even at a minimum speed, then there is a leak in the home network that needs to be identified and eliminated in order to prevent paying for unused water.

You can check the correct operation of hot and cold water meters as follows:

After turning off all the taps in the house, pay attention to the meters. They must be in a stationary position, and their readings must remain unchanged

After this, you need to take a 10 liter pan and fill it with water to the brim. This manipulation should be performed five times, thus gaining 50 liters. Then check the readings again with the actual water calculation. They should increase by exactly 50 liters. If there are discrepancies between the actual and nominal readings, the meters should be checked by the appropriate organization for possible problems and malfunctions.

Retrieving information and calculations for different models

Although the operating principle of modern IPUs is almost identical, depending on the variety there may be some differences:

1. "Mercury 200". The “Enter” button is pressed, after which the time, date, readings by zone and total flow appear. The letter designation of the tariff is in the upper left corner. According to the described calculation example for a specific territory, the total payment amount is calculated.
2. "Energymera". The most common are two- and multi-tariff modifications. Readings from this meter are taken according to a scheme similar to the previous option. The main difference is that you need to press the "PRSM" button.
3. "Micron". It is not difficult to take readings from such a meter, provided that certain nuances are observed. At the bottom left side of the case there is a button, when pressed, the necessary information is displayed. A special feature of the device is that the designations of tariff zones T1, T2 or T3 do not appear; they are already signed at the bottom of the screen and highlighted with a tick. The payment amount is calculated according to the standard scheme.
4. Saivan. The most economical option that is popular. It differs from others in the absence of a button that highlights specific values ​​and shows data sequentially with a small interval. The necessary parameters are recorded and checked, for which it is necessary to let the counter go around in a circle. The calculation depends on the modification of the electricity meter and the current tariff.

Advice! To eliminate errors when taking readings, you must first familiarize yourself with the product data sheet, which contains the correct algorithm of actions.

When choosing an electric meter, it is advisable to give preference to domestic models or meters manufactured in the CIS, since imported options may not be adapted to our networks

Types of two-tariff metering devices

If you are just thinking about purchasing a more profitable device, then you should choose it responsibly. A high-quality model will not only last longer, but will also be more convenient to use. The criteria by which such electricity meters differ:

• accuracy class - affects the potential error in measurements;
• number of phases (1–3);
• manufacturer;
• range of functions.

The most expensive and functional models make life easier for their owner by independently recording, counting and transmitting readings. Moreover, in addition to current power, some devices are capable of determining voltage and amperage in the network.

Where to submit readings

It is necessary to take data from the electricity meter within a specified period, which precedes or includes the period allotted for sending information; the exact interval is specified in the contract.

Testimony from the public is received by the utility service provider. This role may be played by a supplying organization, a management company or a homeowners' association. It is taken into account that these powers can be delegated to special settlement organizations or auxiliary institutions.

You can transmit electricity meter readings using different methods:

• Enter the information on the receipt and bring it to the billing department.
• Send via Internet. To do this, you need to fill out the appropriate table on the organization’s website or in your personal account.
• Indicate on the form that you want to put it in a special box installed in various institutions.

There are also other modern methods that involve the use of technical devices.

Self-check of the water meter

To ensure that the device is working properly, the consumer must:

• prepare control containers with a volume of 5, 10, 20 or 40 liters;
• record the initial readings on the device indicator;
• fill the control container;
• rewrite the data on the display;
• subtract the previous one from the current result and compare the resulting difference with the volume of the control container.

If significant deviations are observed, the meter must be replaced.

To avoid troubles with the resource supplier or management company, the home owner must correctly take readings and fill out a receipt, promptly transfer the data to the resource supplier and pay for the consumed water.

Payment Methods

Today, the population is provided with several main options for paying for consumed electricity:

1. Bank branches and self-service devices. You need to transfer money using a payment document or through a special section of the terminal.
2. Personal account, payment services, mobile applications. To do this you will need access to the Internet.
3. Post offices or payment centers.
4. Directly to the utility service provider through branch cash desks.

Regardless of the chosen method, you must receive confirmation of the completed payment.