Is there a way...

[Snatch Napkin]

...to retrieve real time data from a GE kV2cs multifunction meter?

Last month one of our storage unit buildings had a spike in the bill. It went from the normal amount of $150-ish to over $500. The electric company also replaced our meter the day after they read it to send out the monthly bill.

This new meter is on par with what the building usually uses. However, the electric company denies an error on their part. They're saying it must be due to whatever we have on inside the building.

This new meter is supposed to have the ability to have real time power usage, but from the limited info I can find, it appears to require some special tool or software.

Is there a way to make my own special tool? I've made several adaptations to make my multimeter read things it wasn't originally designed for like peak voltage and whatnot.

[Cobraman]

First your internet company fucking you and now your electricity company fucking you? Damn Robert you must be a real good lay.

[yellowstang]

Point a webcam at the meter with it's own computer, or ample hard drive storage and let it record exactly what the meter shows. You notice a spike, review the tape!

Other than that, I have no clue!

[Snatch Napkin]

It cycles between two readings. Total for it's lifetime, and total for billing period. There are several other readouts that it is capable of, but it requires steps that my limited time on the interwebz hasn't found.
I have found some things I can buy, but there is always another way.

The usage for the billing period is in kwh, but it only shows every 90 seconds. I need actual real time as I go through every appliance and light in the building to prove that it was a faulty meter read. This is also why I suspect they changed the meter.

Jeremy, I am an incredible lay. However, this is a bill for my company. The cable provider comped our last month of service, sent out the most capable tech we've ever had, replaced our box, and made our connection more stable. Granted, this was after blasting them on their facebook page. I knew I had done good when the VP of the parent company calls me to ask how they can make it right.

[yellowstang]

Is there any buttons or shit on the outside of it to change the "Mode"?

http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/science/ge-wattmeter.htm

[Snatch Napkin]

Not that I'm aware of.

[Snatch Napkin]

Is there any buttons or shit on the outside of it to change the "Mode"?

http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/scie...-wattmeter.htm

I've seen that one a couple times, but it leads me to believe the readouts are automatic. Unless I'm supposed to push something into that metal area with the two holes.

[Cooter]

press the meter button with a greatbigol hammer

[NTexas_V-Star]

press the meter button with a greatbigol hammer

One of the more popular, and useful models.

[71chevellejohn]

I've seen that one a couple times, but it leads me to believe the readouts are automatic. Unless I'm supposed to push something into that metal area with the two holes.

From what I've read, the little metal plate with the two "holes" is how the electric company programs the meter. There is a tool/software that they hook onto that port and it communicates(I believe via serial IR) to the meter for the initial setup.

I don't think there is a practical way to use that to your advantage, unless you figure out how to reset your meter to 0.

With the smart meters, you are supposed to be able to monitor usage online. However, you would have to contact your provider about how/where to signup for that.

[yellowstang]

I've seen that one a couple times, but it leads me to believe the readouts are automatic. Unless I'm supposed to push something into that metal area with the two holes.

I'd say go for it, what's the worste that could happen! Jam two nail in there with Cooters tool idea if it fails to change modes.

[Snatch Napkin]

Smash it with a hammah!!!