Canonical Definition
A meter reading is the recorded value from a customer's electric, gas, or water meter that indicates cumulative consumption at a point in time. Usage for a billing period is calculated as the difference between the current reading and the previous reading, adjusted by any meter multiplier. Readings may be collected manually by a meter reader, remotely via automated or advanced metering systems, or, when a reading cannot be obtained, estimated based on historical usage.
Explanations
A meter reading is the number taken from your meter. The meter keeps a running count of all the power, gas, or water your home has used. Your utility subtracts the last reading from the new one. The difference is what you used and what you pay for. Readings can be taken in person or sent by a smart meter. If no reading is possible, the utility may estimate one.
A meter reading is a check of the counter on your meter. It shows how much power or water your home has used. You pay for the change since the last check.
Analogy Bank
A meter reading is like a snapshot of a scoreboard — the utility compares this snapshot with the last one to see how much you used in between.
It's like marking a child's height on a doorframe: each new mark only matters compared with the one before it.
Like checking the water meter before and after filling a pool, your usage is simply the new number minus the old one.
Do Not Say
- ✕Do not tell a customer their exact meter read date; reading schedules vary and can shift.
- ✕Do not declare a reading accurate or mistaken; direct billing disputes to the utility for verification.