How Does the Electric Company Know My Power Usage Without Accessing My Meter?

AI Thread Summary
The electric company can estimate power usage based on historical data and patterns, even without direct access to the meter. In some areas, utility companies rely on estimated monthly readings, which are later verified through manual checks. Users are encouraged to read their own meters to ensure billing accuracy. If discrepancies are found, contacting customer service can clarify whether the readings are estimates. Understanding these practices can help consumers manage their energy bills more effectively.
Jake Platt
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I put up a security gate requiring a code at the entrance to my property 6 months ago but the electric company has never requested access to read my meter. I have an old fashioned non-digital meter that cannot be seen from the road.

My bill references a specific KWh usage. How does the power company know how much power I am using? Seems they can't.

Thanks.
 
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I should add there is no wireless transmitter on the meter so they are not rearing it wirelessly.
 
Welcome to PF, Jake.
I suppose that you don't live where I do (most people don't :rolleyes:), so this might not apply to you. In my area, utility usage (mainly gas) is estimated monthly and then verified a couple of times a year by manual meter reading. Also, it's sometimes averaged over the year to even out the payments rather that walloping us with a $300 bill in December while we pay almost nothing in summer.
Why not just call the Customer Service number of your supplier and ask?
 
You should read the meter yourself and verify if the bills are accurate. If they aren't, they are being estimated.
 

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