What does a demand meter measure?

A demand meter plays a crucial role in energy measurement, specifically focusing on the rate at which energy is consumed at a given moment, in addition to tracking the total amount of energy sold to a customer over time. This type of meter is particularly important for commercial and industrial users where peak demand can significantly influence billing and energy management.

By measuring the demand for energy, these meters help utilities understand and manage load requirements more effectively, ensuring that they can meet the energy needs of their customers while optimizing their own operational efficiency. The data gathered by demand meters allows utilities to implement demand-response programs and encourage energy conservation during peak times, ultimately leading to a more stable and efficient power grid.

Other options do not capture the comprehensive role of a demand meter in measuring both instantaneous usage and cumulative energy use, as they either focus on average costs, annual consumption, or voltage detection, which fall outside the primary function of demand meters.