How to Calculate Your Electricity Bill from Meter Reading (Manual Method)

Every homeowner should know the manual math. It protects you from meter reading errors.

Step 1: Get Your Units

Go to your digital meter. Note down the current number (e.g., 5400). Subtract the previous reading from your last bill (e.g., 5000).

  • Consumed Units: 400

Step 2: Apply the Formula (The Bucket Method)

You don’t pay one rate for all units. You fill “buckets.”

  • Bucket 1 (0-100): First 100 units are FREE. (Cost: ₹0)
  • Bucket 2 (101-200): Next 100 units x ₹2.35 = ₹235.
  • Bucket 3 (201-400): Next 200 units x ₹4.70 = ₹940.

Total Energy Charges: ₹0 + ₹235 + ₹940 = ₹1,175

Step 3: Add Fixed Charges

TNEB adds a small “Fixed Charge” based on your load (usually ₹20-₹50 for domestic connections).

Final Bill: ₹1,175 + ₹30 (Fixed) = ₹1,205