Electricity Meter 1.8.0: Meaning Simply Explained

If you've ever read your digital electricity meter, you've probably encountered the value 1.8.0. But what exactly does this code mean?

In this article, we'll explain simply and clearly what 1.8.0 stands for, what other values are important – and how to correctly interpret your electricity consumption.

Briefly explained: What does 1.8.0 mean?

1.8.0 displays your total electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

This is exactly the value that:

• your electricity provider uses for billing
• you need to provide when reading the meter
• reflects your total consumption to date

Important: It is always a cumulative value, not the current consumption.

Where can I find the value 1.8.0 on the electricity meter?

On a digital electricity meter, the value 1.8.0 is displayed directly on the screen.
Often, the display automatically switches between different values.

Typically:

• Display in alternating mode (every few seconds)
• Identification on the left side of the display (e.g., "1.8.0")
• next to it, the consumption value (e.g., 3,245 kWh)

If you don't see the value immediately:

• press the button on the meter (if available)
• or wait for the display to change

Difference: 1.8.0 vs. Current Consumption

A common mistake is confusing total consumption with current power.

• 1.8.0 → Total Consumption (kWh)
• e.g., 16.7.0 → Current Power (kW)

Example:

• 1.8.0 = 3,245 kWh → your total consumption
• 16.7.0 = 0.45 kW → your current consumption right now

If you want to understand how your electricity meter transmits these values and how you can read them in real time, check out our article on the topic:
👉 Reading Smart Meters: IR, D0 & SML Simply Explained

What does 2.8.0 mean?

Besides 1.8.0, there is often another important value:

• 2.8.0 = electricity fed in (e.g., from PV systems)

This concerns you if you:

• operate a photovoltaic system
• feed electricity into the grid

While 1.8.0 shows your consumption, 2.8.0 measures the feed-in.

Which number do I need to read for electricity?

When reading, typically only this counts:

The value at 1.8.0 (without decimal places)

Example:

• Display: 3,245.78 kWh
• Reported value: 3245 kWh

Why don't I sometimes see all the values?

Some electricity meters only display certain values in a restricted manner.

This is because:

• additional values only become visible after entering a PIN
• or the display is reduced by default

How to enter the PIN on your electricity meter and unlock further values is explained in this article:
👉 Entering the PIN on the digital electricity meter – here's how

What are the benefits of regularly checking the value?

If you regularly check your 1.8.0 value, you can:

• better understand your electricity consumption
• detect changes early
• identify electricity guzzlers
• better estimate your costs

This works even better if you read your electricity meter automatically instead of checking it manually.

👉 You can quickly check here whether your electricity meter is suitable for this.

Automatically read electricity consumption instead of manual checking

Manually reading the electricity meter only gives you a snapshot – and is often impractical in everyday life.

It is much easier to read electricity consumption automatically and track it in real time.

With a suitable reading solution, you can:

• see your current consumption at any time
• detect changes immediately
• identify electricity guzzlers faster
• analyze your energy consumption long-term

A plug-and-play solution like the stromleser.one is attached directly to the digital electricity meter and reads the data via the optical interface – without any intervention in the electrical installation.

This way, you can not only understand your electricity consumption but also actively optimize it.

Conclusion

The value 1.8.0 is the most important value on your electricity meter – it shows your total electricity consumption in kWh.

If you understand this value, you already have the basis to better control your energy consumption.

You gain even more control if you not only read your consumption data but evaluate it in real-time.

❓ FAQ

What does 1.8.0 mean on the electricity meter?
1.8.0 displays your total electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Is 1.8.0 the current consumption?
No, it is the total consumption. Current consumption is displayed via other values (e.g., 16.7.0).

Which value do I need to report to my electricity provider?
Typically, the value at 1.8.0 – without decimal places.

What is the difference between 1.8.0 and 2.8.0?
1.8.0 shows consumption, 2.8.0 shows feed-in (e.g., from PV systems).