Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that measures and records the amount of electrical energy consumed by a building or appliance, typically in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It is the property of the utility company and is used for billing purposes.

Usage

• The electric meter is usually installed where the power lines enter a building.
• To read your electric meter, note the numbers displayed on its dials or digital screen.
• The utility company employee comes monthly to check the electric meter.

Examples

• Our high bill was due to a faulty electric meter that was replaced by the power company.
• You can monitor your daily energy use by taking readings from your electric meter.
• The old analog electric meter with spinning dials was upgraded to a new digital one.

Advanced Usage

• Smart meter: A modern type of electric meter that can communicate usage data to the utility company remotely and provide detailed consumption information to the consumer.
  • The installation of smart meters allows for more accurate and efficient billing.
• Meter reading: The act of checking and recording the number shown on an electric meter.
  • You can submit your own meter reading online if the technician cannot access it.

Variants and Related Words

• Electricity meter: A full, synonymous term for electric meter.
• Power meter: A less common but understandable synonym.
• Utility meter: A general term that can include meters for gas and water, as well as electricity.
• Watt-hour meter: A more technical term specifying the unit of measurement.

Synonyms

• Energy meter
• kWh meter (kilowatt-hour meter)

Notes

• The term electric meter specifically refers to the device measuring consumed electrical power. It is distinct from other meters like a gas meter or a water meter.
• In some contexts, it is simply called "the meter," with "electric" being implied when discussing utility bills.

Noun

1. a meter for measuring the amount of electric power used