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1. Electricity usage is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours).  Natural gas is measured in CCF (100’s of cubic feet). Your meter will have 4 or 5 dials. Think of the dials like number columns – the farthest right dial is the 1’s column, the second from the right is the 10’s column and so on.
2. The dials work like the odometer in your car – a hand must go around ten times to cause the hand on the dial to the left of it to go around once. 
3. The dials beside each other rotate in opposite directions. Start with farthest LEFT dial.
4. If the hand is in between 2 numbers, record the number that the hand has just passed or the smaller of the 2 numbers. Make sure you are standing directly in front of the dial to get the correct reading.  Also ensure that you record the numbers in the proper order- from left to right. The exception to this rule is if the hand is in between 9 and 0.  In this case, record the number 9.
5. If the hand is exactly on a number, look the dial to the right – if the hand on the right dial is on or has just passed the 0 then record the number on the left dial.  If the hand on the right dial is just approaching the 0, read the lower number on the left dial, not the number that hand is actually on.
6. To record how much electricity you use, you need to take a reading again later.  For example, if you read your meter 1 week later at the about the same time, you will record a new number. Simply subtract the old number from the new number to get the total kilowatt hours of power you used:

Usage = This week subtract last week = 13659-13424 = 235kWh

To find out how much that usage cost, multiply the amount of kWh by the rate per kWh.

235 X $0.0997 = $23 (your bill will also include the purchased power adjustment, which is also calculated according to your usage).

You can use this same technique to read your gas meter. 

Once your meter is read, you call in the reading to our 24-hour voice mail system at 823-4123.

Reading Your Water Meter
You can read your water meter the same way you read your car’s odometer. Simply record the numbers as they appear on the meter.  To calculate your usage over 1 week, record the number on the meter on the same day and same time 7 days apart. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number and this tells you the total cubic feet of water you used during that week. 

Q.    I don't like to receive an estimated bill but I work during the day.  How can I get my in-home meters read?

A.     There are several ways you can ensure that your in-home meters are read and that you receive an accurate bill.  Many customers give us access to the meters by providing us with keys or you can contact us for more suggestions on how to access your meter.  All keys are kept in a LOCKED key box and are marked for identification by the meter reader – they are NOT labeled with names and addresses.  You can also read your indoor meters, fill out a meter reading card and leave it for the meter reader on the day he is scheduled to read your meters.  You can also call your readings into our 24-hour voice mail at 823-4123.  For information on how to read your meters, click here and select which meter you need instructions for (electric, gas or water).

Q.    How would I know what day the meter reader is scheduled to come to my house?

A.     Your current NPU bill lists the date your meters were read for the current bill, as well as the date your meter was read last month and the date your meters will be read for the next month.  While our meter readers make every effort to adhere to the schedule, occasionally the day your meters are read may vary by one or two days.  That is why your bill will indicate the next scheduled reading date as “on or about.”

Q.    How can I be sure that the person asking for access to my house is a Norwich Public Utilities' meter reader?

A.      Please, ask to see some identification!  All NPU employees carry identification.  You can also contact the NPU Customer Service Center at 887-2555 and ask if we have any personnel in your area.  Remember, it is always better to question when you are not sure! 

Q.    Can I read meters myself?

A.     Yes, you can read your meters and then call in the reading to our 24-hour voice mail system (823-4123). Just follow the directions on our How To Read Your Meter (for electric, gas or water.)  Please note, our meter readers will still need to gain access to the meters in your home several times a year to verify that the meter is correctly recording your utility usage.

Q.    If I have a remote reader on the outside of my house, doesn't that mean that the meter reader doesn't have to come inside?  

A.     No.  The remote reading device, or “read-o”, displays the readings from the inside meter by recording a pulse that is transmitted through a connecting wire.  Your inside meter is the actual measuring device.  You should verify that the outside reading is the same as the inside reading.  If there are discrepancies between the remote device and the actual meter, your account may have been billed incorrectly and the remote meter may need to be replaced.  A NPU meter reader will need to have access to the inside meters several times a year to verify that the remote reader is accurate.

Please, remember to keep the area around your meter(s) clear.  Don’t pile boxes and other debris in front of the meter, and look to see if shrubs or branches make it difficult to access the meter(s).  If you can’t reach it, neither can we.  And please remember to keep your dogs inside on the day the meter reader is scheduled.  He may be your best friend, but he can present a serious threat to a meter reader or service technician!

Q.    Will my meter be read in bad weather?

A.     NPU will make every effort to read your meter in bad weather. But if the road conditions or weather are unsafe for our employees, your meter will be read as soon after the reading date as possible.  We appreciate your efforts to keep outdoor meters clear of snow so that we can read your meter and provide accuracy on your bill each month.

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