Abstract: A variable-rate electric adapting device for use with a watt-hour meter of the single- or polyphase induction-type, the adapting device being arranged to generate a controlled variable-rate input to the magnetic circuit of the meter to vary the drive of the meter motor in accordance with programmed rate versus time profiles stored in a programming element of the device, the latter being either pre-programmed or continuously programmed by data link. The programming element is arranged to address the adapting device only at discrete intervals of time coinciding with control signals from a timing device. The profile constants may be changed by data links, temperature transducers, voltage amplitude detectors and load detectors. Additional outputs are derived from the programming element to allow individual loads to be connected and disconnected.