How To Read Your Meter

The Meter
The electric meter is a finely calibrated, highly accurate device that measures the amount of electricity that passes through it. Powder River Energy has an ongoing program to test the accuracy of all its meters to ensure customers that they are being billed for the exact amount of electricity used.

Kilowatt-hours
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kwh). One kwh is the amount of electricity it takes to operate a 1000-watt hair dryer for one hour, or, a 100-watt light bulb for ten hours. The difference between the monthly readings is used to calculate the actual kilowatt-hours used.

Readings
Your electric meter will be read monthly by a cooperative employee or an automated meter reading device. It is important that safe access be provided to the meter so your electric bill won't be estimated. Fences, locked gates, dogs, and plant growth can all be obstacles to reading meters.

Seals
The cutting of a meter seal and/or tampering with the meter is a violation of the laws of Wyoming and the policies of the cooperative and is therefore subject to prosecution. Should a problem arise and you need to cut the seal, please contact our office first.

Accuracy
When an electric bill is higher than expected, the accuracy of the meter is sometimes questioned. The meters are designed such that it is highly unlikely that it will register incorrectly. If anything, as they age, rather than run "fast" they tend to run slower. Powder River Energy is a co-op and is owned by YOU, the consumer. We have no interest in or need to overcharge customers (members).

Increases
If your electric bill increases for no apparent reason, you may want to check your wiring and appliances for grounds, shorts, or other malfunctions. Consider other reasons that may have caused your bill to increase like colder or warmer weather than usual, a new appliance, or more cooking or hot water use than normal.