Metering
Your Electric Meter & Meter Readings
SBEC has approximately 25,000 meters spread over an eight county area. Some are in more populated urban areas while the rest are in remote farming and ranching areas.
As the electricity passes through the electric meter it measures the kilowatt-hours you use. The six numerical figures on the face of your meter enable the cooperative to determine the amount of electricity you consumed and then determine your bill. All meters are read remotely on a monthly basis. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) are types of meters that are read via electronic means. Readings are obtained electronically and posted to the members accounts monthly. Even though our meters are remotely read each month, we still require access to our meters and equipment. If you have a locked or electric gate, or dogs that will bite, please contact SBEC in our Bellville at (979) 865-3171 or 1-800-364-3171 so we can gain access safely.
SBEC manually reads each meter on its system on a rotating basis. The cooperative personnel record the reading and check for any signs of tampering, including broken meter seals, locking devices or any hazards. Hazards include (but are not limited to) T.V. antennas, satellite dishes or a member installed security light. None of these items are allowed on SBEC poles. The reason for this restriction is the possibility of electrical contact by a member or the hazard being an obstruction should an SBEC employee need to climb the pole. Hazards may include any improper wiring that does not meet the requirements of the cooperative’s service standards, the National Electric Code, the National Electric Safety Code, and any other local, county and state codes that may apply, a meter that has been enclosed and is inaccessible to SBEC employees, and right-of-way violations such as buildings or pools under an SBEC line.
PLEASE REMEMBER: If it is necessary to remove your meter, please contact your local cooperative office and arrangements will be made to assist you. Unauthorized meter removal or meter tampering is unlawful and it is hazardous, possibly resulting in severe injury or death to anyone attempting to by-pass or alter the cooperative’s equipment. If you need your meter pulled for any reason, please contact our dispatch center at 1-800-364-3171 or 979-865-3171. Some service fees may apply. Please look at the back of your bill for a better explanation of fees.