Reading the Meters (NEM)
PG&E electric meters measure and record total net usage—the difference between the amount of energy you generate and the amount of energy you consume at your property. You can check usage by learning to read the meter. If you have a SmartMeter™, your net usage can be obtained by logging on to My Energy. Determine which meter type you have, and follow the instructions below:
How to Read the Meter
SmartMeter™ (NEM)
- The 5-digit display shows the total kWh of energy consumption is usually located on the top line. This number is cumulative. NOTE: Some models may first display "888888…" indicating that the unit is functioning properly.
- Below the 5 digit display or on the next screen display, the 3-digit number shows current electric usage.
- If energy is being exported to PG&E, you will see a scrolling arrow pointing left and the word "Received" or a "-" along with the current kW. If energy is being drawn from PG&E, you will see a scrolling arrow pointing right and some models will show the word "Delivered" along with the current kW.
Please note: SmartMeter™ will not display usage by time periods (peak, partial-peak and off-peak). Customers on a time-of-Use (TOU) rate will be able to go online to see daily net usage hour-by-hour.
NetMeter
- The meter is programmed to start with a setting of 50000 to prevent an initial display of less than zero (00000) if you are sending more energy to the grid than you are using.
- The 5-digit display shows the total kWh of energy consumption. NOTE: Some models may first display "888888…" indicating that the unit is functioning properly.
- The next display will show the date (MMDDYY), followed by the time in 24-hour format (HH MM)
- If you are a Time of Use customer, the displays will provide the reads for each time period as follows:
- E-6 customers: Peak, Partial-Peak, Off-Peak
- E-7 customers: Peak, Off-Peak
Net Energy Metering (NEM) Billing
PG&E's Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program provides customers the ability to offset their electricity with energy from their generating system.
Energy Saving Tips
-
Try these energy saving tips to reduce your energy use and save money.
More tips
Contact Us

1-877-743-4112
or Email us


