Reading Your Meter

One of the greatest responsibilities of our co-op members is to read their own meters. This saves the cooperative thousands of dollars each year which, in turn, saves co-op members money, too.

It is important to read your meter on the same date (or as close as possible) every time you read it. For example, you always could read it on the 15th of each month. This helps to provide a consistent number of days between readings. It also may help to decrease fluctuations in your bills.

It’s a good idea to track your electric consumption (kWh use) for your own information as well. Our bills are designed to give you that information in a bar chart.

By regularly reading your meter and submitting your reading to the co-op, you are performing an important, money-saving job. If you do not read your meter, you will be charged a meter reading fee if a cooperative employee reads it. You may submit your meter reading by any of the following methods: bill stub submission, electronic submission, and telephone submission.

Bill Stub Submission

At the bottom of your bill is the payment and meter reading stub. The left side of the stub is the meter reading area. Record the reading in the five green-shaded squares, one digit per square box, and return the stub with your payment before the 20th of each month if you have a monthly account. If you mail your payment, you may mail your stub with your payment in the envelope enclosed with your bill. You also may bring your stub with your payment to any of our offices.

Electronic Submission

You may submit your meter reading online. Go to the Submit Meter Reading page. In addition to your meter reading, you will need your account number and your member number (customer number). Both of these numbers appear on your bill.

If you decide to e-mail your meter reading, please include your account number, your telephone number, and the name on the account. Send your e-mail to billing@valleyrec.com and include “meter reading” in the subject.

Telephone Submission

You may submit your meter reading over the telephone by calling 814/643-2650 or toll-free 800/432-0680. When you call, the initial greeting will offer you the opportunity to report your meter reading. Follow the voice prompts to enter your reading. In addition to your meter reading, you might need your account number and your member number (customer number). Both of these numbers appear on your bill.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

The cooperative is currently replacing all of its meters with new automated versions as part of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project. The AMI project will proceed on a substation-by-substation basis. Work has begun in the Center Union Substation area of Huntingdon County, which includes locations in or around Alexandria, Center Union, Donation, Huntingdon and Petersburg. From there, crews will primarily finish work in the Huntingdon district, then move to the Martinsburg district and, finally, to the Shade Gap district. The project is expected to take up to three years to complete.

Consumers will be informed when their meters have been replaced and again when the automated features are activated. Members are urged to continue reading their meters unless notified otherwise.

For more information, please read these answers to commonly asked questions about Advanced Metering Infrastructure (PDF, 83 KB).