How consumption is recorded.
WHAT METER TYPES EXIST
Prepaid, where you buy units in advance Postpaid, billed after consumption Maximum demand meters, for larger commercial users
WHAT PREPAID PROVIDES
No estimated billing No arrears accumulating Visible consumption Control over spending
WHY MOST BUSINESSES PREFER IT
Costs cannot run away unnoticed.
WHAT POSTPAID RISKS
Estimated bills, disputes, and accumulated debt.
WHAT MAXIMUM DEMAND METERING MEASURES
Both energy consumed and the peak rate of consumption.
WHY PEAK MATTERS ON THOSE TARIFFS
Charges reflect the capacity you require, not only what you use.
WHAT THAT IMPLIES
Reducing simultaneous heavy loads can reduce the bill materially.
HOW
Staggering the starting of large equipment.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT OBTAINING A METER
Apply through your distribution company's process.
WHAT TO KEEP
Evidence of the application, payment and installation.
WHAT TO CHECK ON A NEW METER
That the number matches your records That the reading starts where expected That it is registered to your account
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A FAULTY METER
Report it promptly, in writing.
WHY PROMPTLY
Consumption during the fault is disputed later.
WHAT TO MONITOR
Units bought against work done.
WHAT A SUDDEN CHANGE INDICATES
A fault, a new load, or a connection you do not know about.
