What does the meter in a house measure?

The meter in a house primarily measures the electrical energy consumption, which is typically expressed in watts or watt-hours. This comprehensive measurement includes both the voltage and current in the circuit to provide a total usage of energy. When discussing power in the context of electrical systems, watts are the unit of measure that reflects how much electrical energy is being used by the devices in the home over time.

While voltage and current are fundamental electrical quantities, they are not what the meter directly indicates for billing or usage purposes. Instead, the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is utilized to determine the wattage consumed by home appliances and systems. Thus, the answer aligns with the primary function of a household meter, which is to quantify energy consumption in watts.