What is metering?

• A. The function of safeguarding electrical equipment and the distribution network from faults and failures.
• B. The process of measuring electricity consumption for billing and monitoring purposes.
• C. A task performed by equipment within substation cubicles to interrupt the flow of electricity during faults.
• D. An electrical device used to change the voltage of electricity from higher levels to lower levels.

Answer: (B)

Metering is the process of measuring electricity consumption for billing and monitoring purposes. A meter records how much energy is used over time, typically in kilowatt-hours, and provides data that utilities use to calculate customer charges, analyze load patterns, and manage demand. Modern metering often involves digital or smart meters that can transmit usage data automatically and support different rate structures like time-of-use.

The other described functions—protecting equipment from faults, interrupting power flow during faults, or changing voltage levels—are not metering. They relate to protection, switching, and voltage transformation, respectively.