How we measure your consumption

A meter is a high-precision device used to measure electricity consumption. To ensure the accuracy of the readings, Hydro-Québec periodically checks the operation and quality of its meters.

Three types of meters are used to measure consumption (kWh) and power demand (kW): mechanical meters, electromechanical meters and newer electronic meters.

If a customer's real power demand as recorded by a mechanical meter (kWh and kW) has exceeded 50 kW in the past 12 months, the apparent power (kVA) must be measured with a second mechanical meter. In the case of electromechanical and electronic meters, however, only one device is needed to measure both consumption and power demand (kWh, kW and kVA).

For any billing demand less than or equal to 40 kW, a residential meter is used.

Meter readings

In order to bill you for your actual consumption, Hydro-Québec must have access to your meter at all times. Meter readings are taken at different intervals depending on your maximum power demand:

• every month, if your power demand usually exceeds 50 kW
• every other month, if it is usually less than 50 kW

Your meter must be accessible to Hydro-Québec personnel at all times so that we may bill you for your actual consumption.

How to calculate your energy consumption

If you have a mechanical or electromechanical meter, your consumption is indicated by the four dials (thousands, hundreds, tens and ones) on the meter. The dials measure kilowatthours and work in the same way as the dials on your electricity meter at home.

Read the meter by noting the position of the pointer on each dial, from left to right. If the pointer is between two numbers, record the smaller number except if it is between 9 and 0, in which case the reading is 9. On electronic meters, the reading is shown directly on the display.

In the example below, the reading is 2727.

Regardless of the type of meter, the kilowatthours you consume are measured continuously. To calculate your consumption, you must:

• take the reading obtained and subtract the four-digit number shown as the previous reading on your electricity bill,
  
  THEN
  
  
• multiply the difference by the multiplier indicated on your bill.

How to calculate your power demand

To obtain your power demand in kW and kVA, you must apply the multiplier to the meter reading (in W and VA), then divide by 1,000. You don't have to calculate the difference between the current reading and the previous one, because the power demand is reset to zero after each reading.

An electromechanical meter has a digital display that indicates the maximum power demand.

At the Small-Power Business Rate (G), if your power demand is always less than 40 kW, you are billed only for your energy consumption in kWh. If your power demand is more than 40 kW but always less than 50 kW, only the kW and kWh are billed. However, if your power demand exceeds 50 kW, your demand in kVA will be measured and taken into account in the calculation of your bill.

	Did you know? Your service contract is a binding agreement between you and Hydro-Québec. If you would like to change any of its terms, simply put in a request to Hydro-Québec. The personal information you provide will be treated in strictest confidence. Submit a request to Hydro-Québec