Do you get charged for having a socket outlet switched on?

Answer 1

In order to be billed for electricity, you have to have a flow of current. your electric meter is not unlike your water meter in this regard, it measures flow rate through it. An outlet that is not plugged in to anything that is on, or an empty socket that normally holds a bulb will not pass current. That means they are technically off. All a switch does is open an electrical circuit. To close a socket circuit you need a bulb. To close an outlet circuit, you need an appliance that is on (another switch may be involved).