How to tell how much electricity is coming into the meter?

[Henry Holt]

I am reading J Scott's Book, The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs, and I am on the electricity section.  My question surrounds the electric meter. 

J Scott discusses examining the service coming into the house, as well as the ability of the breaker box to handle that service. 

When looking at the electric meter, does CL200 and 240V indicate that the service coming into the meter is 200 amps and 240 volts? 

Or, do those numbers represent just what the meter can handle, and not necessarily what is coming into the house?

See meter below.  Disregard the red box.  Thanks!

[Eli Molloy]

I believe the CL200 means that the meter is capable of handling a 200 amp service. But it can also be used for a 100 amp service. So the fact that it is a 200 amp meter doesn't necessary mean you have a 200 amp service. Check the main breaker in the panel and see what it says. 200 amp is a common service size. 30 amp isn't large enough for some hot water heaters.