SA.GOV.AU - Reading your meter

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Smart meters are the new standard and transmit data directly to the energy retailer and the provider so regular manual readings are no longer necessary." /> <meta name="dcterms.title" content="Reading your meter" /> <meta name="dcterms.identifier" content="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/meters" /> <meta name="dcterms.availability" content="Call Service SA on 13 23 24" /> <meta name="dcterms.creator" content="Government of South Australia" /> <meta name="dcterms.publisher" content="Government of South Australia" /> <meta name="dcterms.type" content="Text" /> <meta name="dcterms.format" content="Text/HTML" /> <meta name="dcterms.language" content="en-AU" /> <meta name="dcterms.audience" content="South Australia" /> <meta name="dcterms.coverage" content="South Australia" /> <meta name="dcterms.rights" content="Copyright 2024 Government of South Australia https://www.sa.gov.au/copyright" /> <meta name="dcterms.modified" content="2024-07-18" /> <meta name="dcterms.created" content="2016-06-22" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/meters" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Reading your meter" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Understanding how to read your electricity or gas meter can help you save money. Smart meters are the new standard and transmit data directly to the energy retailer and the provider so regular manual readings are no longer necessary." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/591828/og-gosa-colour-on-white.png" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="1200"> <meta property="og:image:height" content="630">   <meta name="dcterms.description" content="Understanding how to read your electricity or gas meter can help you save money. 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Your retailer uses the meter to charge you the correct amount and your distributor can also use the information to plan and manage the need in your community.</p><h2>Electricity smart meters</h2><div><p paraid="1752105588" paraeid="{7a7c918c-66a9-4c9a-89e3-af5f401c552c}{91}">All new and replacement electricity meters must be smart meters. They are digital and record your electricity use every 5 minutes. This means:</p></div><div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">you can see how much electricity you are using and when you are using it</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">the quality of the power can be measured so the electricity distributor knows if there's an outage.</li></ul></div><div><p paraid="692163921" paraeid="{7a7c918c-66a9-4c9a-89e3-af5f401c552c}{126}">You must have a smart meter if:</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">your existing meter is old or faulty and needs replacing</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">there isn’t a meter at your property or it’s for a new connection - eg if you are installing solar or building a new home.</li></ul></div></div> </div> <div class="infobreakout"> <div id="component_872780"> <div><p>Opting out of a smart meter installation is only available in <strong>limited circumstances</strong>. Contact your energy retailer directly to check. The <a href="https://www.aer.gov.au/consumers/resources/consumer-fact-sheets" target="_blank">Australian Energy Regulator</a> also has a range of fact sheets available on smart meters and your energy rights on their website.</p></div> </div> </div> <h3 class="accordion" >Read a smart meter</h3> <div><div><p paraid="1388106919" paraeid="{7a7c918c-66a9-4c9a-89e3-af5f401c552c}{212}">The meter has a display screen which shows the collected information. Some also have a hot water boost button, and a service port.</p></div><div><p paraid="649295009" paraeid="{7a7c918c-66a9-4c9a-89e3-af5f401c552c}{228}">Usage is displayed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and can include energy:</p></div><div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">used in the home</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">sent to the grid if you have solar</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">used in the 30-minute block by off-peak or controlled load appliances. This only applies if you have:<ul><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">storage water heater of more than 125 litres</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">underfloor heating</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">a swimming pool or spa heater</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">electric car charger</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">battery storage.</li></ul></li></ul></div></div><div><div><p paraid="718364279" paraeid="{0ddce770-ba03-421b-93bb-160ba3b5472d}{41}">There’s also a test pattern for the screen to show that all available characters are working.</p></div></div></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Managing your use to save</h3> <div><div><div><p paraid="322093545" paraeid="{0ddce770-ba03-421b-93bb-160ba3b5472d}{91}">You can see how much electricity you use at different times and compare it to the different rates. For example, you can track your use to:</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">calculate how much your next bill might be</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">limit use when the rate is higher</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">shift your electricity use to cheaper, off-peak periods. For example, running the dishwasher overnight.</li></ul></div></div><div><p>Energy retailers can also offer:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/energy-retailers-and-contracts/retailers-and-contract-types" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flexible pricing deals</a></li><li>more frequent bills, such as monthly instead of quarterly</li><li>an energy use app, so you can see the reading on your phone.</li></ul></div></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Privacy</h3> <div><div><p paraid="1019199147" paraeid="{0ddce770-ba03-421b-93bb-160ba3b5472d}{218}">The data your smart meter collects is encrypted. It is sent to your retailer and distributor over secure networks. Your retailer uses the meter identification number - not your name and address - to match the data to your account details.</p></div><div><p paraid="455669391" paraeid="{0ddce770-ba03-421b-93bb-160ba3b5472d}{224}">Smart meters can also be installed so they can’t send data and the retailer will visit your property to read the meter.</p></div></div> <div id="component_872792"> <h2>Other electricity meters</h2><p>Accumulation meters record the amount of electricity that has passed through the meter since it was installed. Electricity is recorded in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and your bills are based on the differences between each time the meter is read.</p> </div> <h3 class="accordion" >Reading a digital accumulation meter</h3> <div><div><p paraid="711569230" paraeid="{03807324-a029-408b-b7ce-ba45d0ff0d05}{16}">Scroll through the screens to get to the reading. Look for numbers starting with:</p></div><div><ul><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">03 or 003 for the peak</li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem">07 or 007 for the off-peak.</li></ul><p><img src="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0015/20454/Digital_electricity_meter.jpg" alt="Digital smart meter showing four section, with the third showing 003 (peak) and the fourth showing 007 (off-peak)" width="133" height="215" /></p><p>Homes with solar panels will have an import/export meter. Look for numbers starting with 09 or 009 to see what has been exported to the grid.</p></div></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Reading a clock face accumulation meter</h3> <div><ul><li>Read the dials from left to right, ignoring the one marked 1/10 as it's only used for testing.</li><li>Each dial revolves in a different direction from the one next to it.</li><li>If the pointer is directly over a number, underline that number.</li><li>Write down the number the pointer has just passed.</li><li>If any underlined numbers are followed by an 8 or 9, reduce it by one.</li></ul><p><img src="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0015/13056/Reading_a_dial_electricity_meter_example.jpg" alt="5 clock faces on an electricity meter showing electricity usage " width="290" height="208" /></p></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Calculate electricity costs</h3> <div><p>You can work out your electricity costs by:</p><ul><li>subtracting the previous meter reading from the current reading - this is your <strong>usage</strong></li><li>multiply that amount by the <strong>tariff</strong> on your bill to get an estimate of your costs.</li></ul><h4>Cost formula</h4><div class="bluebreakout">[usage] x [tariff] = estimated cost</div><div><p paraid="1377157005" paraeid="{03807324-a029-408b-b7ce-ba45d0ff0d05}{180}">You could also:</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/calculate-running-costs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculate your appliance running costs</a></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/do-a-home-energy-audit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">do a home energy audit.</a></li></ul></div></div> <div id="component_872813"> <h2 id="off-peak">Off-peak power</h2><p>Controlled or off-peak metering is only available on certain appliances. Power is supplied overnight, and the timing is worked out by <a href="https://www.sapowernetworks.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SA Power Networks</a>. Appliances that can be run on an off-peak tariff include:</p><ul><li>permanently installed storage water heaters with a capacity of 125L or more</li><li>underfloor heating</li><li>some swimming pool and spa heaters.</li></ul><p>If you have a clock face meter you usually have two meters – peak and off-peak – and you will have:</p><ul><li>2 meter numbers</li><li>2 readings on your bill.</li></ul><p>Digital meters can record both peak and off-peak usage. There will be 2 charges on your bill - peak and off-peak - but only 1 meter number.</p> </div> <div id="component_872815"> <h2>Gas meters</h2><div><p paraid="1557503971" paraeid="{2bf0e3ce-5111-468a-9ebb-2d0e283b8ac9}{47}">If you use gas in your home, you will have separate gas and electricity meters.</p></div> </div> <h3 class="accordion" >Read a metric or digital gas meter</h3> <div><p>Metric or digital gas meters record the amount of gas used in cubic metres (m<sup>3</sup>).</p><ul><li>Read the numbers from left to right.</li><li>Only read the black and white numbers. Ignore red numbers, as these are used for testing.</li></ul></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Read a clock face gas meter</h3> <div><p>Clock face meters record the amount of gas used in cubic feet (ft<sup>3</sup>).</p><ul><li>Read the first four dials from left to right.</li><li>Each dial revolves in a different direction from the one next to it.</li><li>Write down the number the pointer has just passed - for example, if it is between 7 and 8, write down 7.</li></ul><p><img src="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0015/23235/Reading_a_dial_gas_meter_example.JPG" alt="four dials of gas meter showing cubit feet" width="235" height="99" /></p></div> <h3 class="accordion" >Calculate gas costs</h3> <div><p>Your bill shows gas use in megajoules (MJ). So, you'll need to convert your reading to MJ first, then you can work out the cost.</p><p>Convert to MJ by:</p><ul><li>subtracting the reading on the last bill from the current meter reading</li><li>multiply that amount by the <strong>pressure factor</strong> and <strong>heating values</strong> found on a recent bill.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/meters/gas-heating-values" class="content-drawer__link" title="pressureandheatingvalues">Can't find the pressure factor and heating values?</a></p><h4>Convert to MJ formula</h4><div class="bluebreakout">[reading] x [pressure factor] x [heating value] = MJ</div><h4>Cost formula</h4><div class="bluebreakout">[amount in MJ] x [tariff] = estimated cost of gas</div><div><p paraid="1377157005" paraeid="{03807324-a029-408b-b7ce-ba45d0ff0d05}{180}">You could also:</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/calculate-running-costs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculate your appliance running costs</a></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/using-saving-energy/do-a-home-energy-audit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">do a home energy audit.</a></li></ul></div></div> <div id="component_873890"> </div> <div id="component_873888"> <h2>Access to the meter</h2><p>Your retailer should read your meter as often as needed to prepare your bill. But they are legally required to read it every 12 months. You must provide clear and safe access to your meter so they can.</p><p>Your retailer can estimate how much energy you consume, and they often do this if they can’t access your meter. Contact your retailer to agree on a convenient time to read the meter if it’s in a difficult location - for example, it’s indoors or behind a locked gate.</p><p>Estimated bills can lead to:</p><ul><li>high bills if your usage is over-estimated</li><li>large catch-up bills if your usage is underestimated.</li></ul><div class="warningbreakout">You risk having your service disconnected if you don’t allow access to the meter for three consecutive scheduled readings.</div><p>Smart meters don’t require a manual meter reading as usage data is sent digitally to your retailer.</p> </div> <div id="component_872842"> <h2>Changing retailers</h2><p>Your new retailer will take over the service but it's unlikely they will change the meter. You might need a new meter if the existing one can't support a service you've been offered. Retailers don't usually charge for new meters, but make sure you ask about changeover costs before you agree.</p><p>Smart meters are the standard for new meters. But you can say no to having one installed or the retailer could install one that can’t send data.</p><p>A smart meter will mean retailers can:</p><ul><li>remotely track your usage so manual readings aren't needed</li><li>connect or disconnect supply when you move into a home, or switch retailers</li><li>track and manage electricity generated from solar panels.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/energy-retailers-and-contracts/retailers-and-contract-types" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comparing retailers and contracts, and choosing an energy deal</a></p> </div> <div id="component_872999"> <hr /><h2 class="noTOC">Related information</h2><h3>On this site</h3><p><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/energy-bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy bills, help and rebates</a></p><h3>Other websites</h3><ul class="without_bullets"><li><a href="http://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/smart-meters-displays-and-appliances" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Understanding connectivity</a> - Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment</li><li><a href="https://www.ewosa.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy and Water Ombudsman SA</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="page_info clearfix"> <hr> <div class="left"> <div class="providedbyshow">Provided by: <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/departments/energy-and-mining">Department for Energy and Mining</a></div> </div> <div class="right"> Page last updated 18 July 2024 </div> </div> </div>  </div> </div>   <div class="footer clearfix container" id="footer_251117"> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="left"> <ul class="footer_links"> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/disclaimer">Disclaimer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/privacy">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/acknowledgement-of-country">Acknowledgement of Country</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/site-map">Sitemap</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/about-us">About us</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> </ul> <p>SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence</a>. © <a class="copyright_footer" href="https://www.sa.gov.au/copyright">Copyright 2024</a> </p> </div> <div class="right"> <img src="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/251020/gov-sa-logo.png?v=0.1.2" alt="Government of South Australia"/ class="gosa"> <a href="https://southaustralia.com/"><img src="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0012/251013/sa-logo.png" alt="South Australia"/></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="sagovauprint" id="new_content_container_226173"> <p> </p> <hr class="footer_print_hr"> <p> </p> <div class="pagedetails clearfix"> <div class="pagedetailslabel">Provided by:</div> <div class="pagedetailsdata">Department for Energy and Mining</div> </div> <div class="pagedetails clearfix"> <div class="pagedetailslabel">URL:</div> <div class="pagedetailsdata">https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/meters</div> </div> <div class="pagedetails clearfix"> <div class="pagedetailslabel">Last Updated:</div> <div class="pagedetailsdata">18/07/24</div> </div> <div class="pagedetails clearfix"> <div class="pagedetailslabel">Printed on:</div> <div class="pagedetailsdata">25/11/24</div> </div> <div class="pagedetails pagecopyrights clearfix"> <div class="pagedetailslabel">Copyright statement:</div> <div class="pagedetailsdata">SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2024 </div> </div> </div>   <div class="content-drawer__loading" id="content-drawer__loading"> <div></div> </div> <div id="content-drawer" class="content-drawer" aria-live="polite"> <div id="content-drawer__close-wrapper" class="content-drawer__close-wrapper"> <a href="#" id="content-drawer__close" class="content-drawer__close">Close</a> </div> <div id="content-drawer__content-wrapper" class="content-drawer__content-wrapper subtopic_lvl3"></div> </div> <div id="overlay" class="overlay"></div>  <script> var mobile = Modernizr.mq('(max-width: 767px)'), tabletMin = Modernizr.mq('(min-width: 768px)'), tabletMax = Modernizr.mq('(max-width: 1023px)'), tabletLandscape = Modernizr.mq('(max-device-width: 1280px) and (max-device-height: 800px) and (orientation: landscape)') || Modernizr.mq('(max-device-width: 1024px) and (orientation: landscape)'), desktop = Modernizr.mq('(min-width: 1025px)'), bodyEl = document.body; 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