Rates | Read your Meter | Fees and Charges | Identity Theft | Net Metering
HOW TO READ YOUR METER
Meter Cheaters Hurt Everyone
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239-656-2300
How to read your meter
Reading your meter at regular intervals may help you monitor your electric usage. Please review the seven steps to reading your meter.
Stand directly in front of your meter |
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Step 2: |
Begin Reading #1 by starting with the right hand dial (A). Write the numbers from right to left. |
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Step 3: |
If the dial hand points between two numbers, write down the lower of the two. |
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Step 4: |
Continue to read the dials in the same manner (A, B, C, D, E). |
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Step 5: |
Do the same steps for Reading #2 |
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Step 6: |
Subtract Reading #1 from Reading #2
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Step 7: |
Record the information |
It may seem that stealing electricity is a victimless crime, but in fact, all customers share in the cost. That’s just one of the reasons that LCEC is vigilant in detecting and seeking restitution for thefts at the meter. We aggressively investigate all cases of meter tampering, recover as much lost revenue as possible, and press criminal charges when appropriate. Florida law allows a utility to collect an amount equal to three times the amount of energy unlawfully obtained or $1,000, whichever is greater, from someone convicted in a civil action.
Efforts to reduce costs resulting from this illegal activity are key, but more importantly, safety is at stake. Bypassing the meter and other methods used to steal electricity put those committing the theft, their families, LCEC employees and innocent bystanders in grave danger. Unauthorized alterations of the electric meter often lead to shock, fire, explosion or electrocution.
LCEC utilizes automated meters to help detect fraud, and field employees watch for suspicious circumstances. Customers can also report cases of potential meter theft at www.lcec.net.