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Types of meters in the LESCO network
Whatever the type, the number that matters is cumulative kWh. Your monthly units are simply this month’s reading minus last month’s reading.
- Electromechanical (analogue) meters — a spinning disc and a row of dials or a mechanical counter.
- Static digital meters — an LCD showing a single cumulative kWh figure.
- Time-of-use digital meters — cycle through several displays including peak (T1) and off-peak (T2) registers.
- AMI / smart meters — remotely read, with a display that cycles automatically.
Reading a digital meter
- Wait for the kWh display. Digital meters cycle through several screens. Note the one labelled kWh or Total.
- Record the whole number. Ignore digits after the decimal point and any trailing kWh symbol.
- For ToU meters note both registers. T1 is usually peak and T2 off-peak; record both if your bill splits them.
- Photograph the display. A dated photo is far stronger evidence than a written note.
- Subtract last month. This month's reading minus last month's reading equals your units consumed.
Reading an analogue dial meter
Dial meters have four to six small dials that alternate direction. Read them left to right. When a pointer sits between two numbers, record the lower one; when it sits directly on a number, check the dial to its right — if that pointer has not yet passed zero, drop the left dial by one.
Counter-style analogue meters are simpler: read the digits in the window from left to right and ignore any digit on a red background.
Verifying the units on your bill
If your own reading differs materially from the printed present reading, you have a concrete, documented basis for a complaint.
| Field on the bill | What it should equal |
|---|---|
| Previous reading | Last month's printed present reading |
| Present reading | Your own reading on or near the printed reading date |
| Units consumed | Present reading minus previous reading, times the meter multiplier |
| Reading date | The date the meter reader visited — check it, not the bill issue date |
| MF / multiplier | Usually 1 for domestic; larger for CT-metered connections |
Estimated readings and how to spot them
When the reader cannot access the meter, LESCO estimates the units based on your history. Estimated bills are usually marked on the bill and are corrected the following month once an actual reading is taken.
The classic signature is an unusually low month followed by an unusually high one. Before disputing the high month, add both months together and divide by two — if the average is normal, the total is correct and only the distribution was off.
- Keep the meter accessible on your reading date.
- Photograph the meter on the printed reading date each month.
- If two consecutive months are estimated, raise it with your subdivision office.
Suspecting a faulty or fast meter
Switch off every appliance and every breaker except the main. If the meter still records consumption, either something is still connected or the meter may be faulty. You can request a meter checking or replacement through your subdivision office; a testing fee may apply and is refunded if the meter is found defective.
Also consider a leakage fault in old wiring — it silently consumes units and is a fire risk. An electrician’s insulation test is cheaper than months of inflated bills.
Helpful tips
- Take a dated photo of the meter on the 1st of every month; twelve photos give you a complete private record.
- Compare your calculated units against the bill before paying, not after.
- Note the reading date printed on the bill — it is rarely the 1st, and comparisons only work on matching dates.
Warnings & common mistakes
- Never break a meter seal or open the meter box — it is treated as theft and attracts detection billing and prosecution.
- Do not let unverified people claiming to be meter readers inside your premises; readers work from outside the box.
- A single high month is not proof of a faulty meter — check for estimated readings first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my own electricity units?
Subtract last month's meter reading from this month's reading and multiply by the meter multiplier (usually 1 for domestic connections). The result is your units consumed for the period.
What is an estimated reading on a LESCO bill?
When the meter cannot be read, LESCO estimates consumption from your history. The estimate is corrected the next month once an actual reading is taken, which often produces one low month followed by one high month.
What does MF or multiplier mean on my bill?
The multiplying factor converts the meter's recorded value into actual kWh. It is 1 for most domestic meters and higher for CT-operated commercial and industrial meters.
How do I get my meter checked?
Apply at your LESCO subdivision office for meter testing. A fee may apply and is typically refunded if the meter is found to be defective.
Why does my meter run when everything is off?
Either a device is still drawing power — a geyser, water motor, inverter or standby load — or there is wiring leakage. Isolate circuits one by one to identify the cause.
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