Analog And Digital Meters – What’s The Difference?
FIRST POINT FOR USERS
Analog meters are the original meters used by electricity companies to measured electricity usage. These meters are being replaced by more modern electronic meters which have a digital display.
People often confuse digital meters with smart meters, but smart meters are more advanced than digital meters – they can be read remotely (replacing the need for a meter reader to come to your property and manually read your meter).
Smart meters also measure electricity consumption at 30 minute intervals, which better helps you to understand your usage via a connection to your home computer or smart phone. You can also utilise Time of Use (TOU) tariffs if you have a basic electronic meter or a smart meter.
Gross Meter vs Net Meter
If you have solar, then there’s the question of whether you need a gross meter or a net meter. A gross meter is programmed to export all the electricity you generate with your panels to the grid. A net meter enables you to use your solar energy in your house first, and then export the excess to the grid. It doesn’t matter what kind of meter you have.