The remainder is the number of kilowatt-hours you have used since the last reading for your monthly electric bill. Don't forget to add the customer charge, the tax, and any extra charges for special items such as security lights. Unless you read your meter at the same time as the meter reader, the kilowatthours will not be exactly the same as shown on your bill. The biggest electricity consumption in your home is from your heating and air conditioning equipment. Older, less insulated homes use even more electricity.
Older appliances are less energy efficient, and cost more to run, too.
Water heaters are usually the second largest user of electricity in your home. After that come major appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, followed by smaller items like TVs, lights, and stereos.