How to Read a Meter

Learn how to read a meter, about estimated reads and Consumers Energy Smart Energy® Program.

About Upgraded Meters

The vast majority of our electric customers now have upgraded meters, which send energy use to us daily. These upgraded meters nearly eliminate the need for in-person meter reading and estimated billing.

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It’s Easier Than Ever To Track Your Energy Use

Interested in how much energy you’re using? With daily updates from your upgraded meter, it’s simple to check your energy use, and compare it to past use.

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How To Read A Meter

Natural gas meter reading

How to Read a Natural Gas Meter 

Natural gas meters have four main dials. Record the numbers from left to right for each dial hand.

  • For hands in between two numbers, record the lower number but if it's between 0 and 9, use 9.
  • If the hand appears to be directly on a number, take a look at the dial to the right before recording the number.
  • If the right dial has not yet passed 0, record the lower number.

Submit a Meter Read

Electric meter reading

How to Read An Electric Meter 

Some electric meters have five main dials. Record the numbers from left to right for each dial hand.

  • For hands in between two numbers, record the lower number but if it's between 0 and 9, use 9.
  • If the hand appears to be directly on a number, take a look at the dial to the right before recording the number.
  • If the right dial has not yet passed 0, record the lower number.

Submit a Meter Read

What Is An Estimated Meter Read?

We make every effort to read meters every month to help ensure your bill is as accurate as possible. In the event that bad weather or other events do not allow us to do so safely, we estimate your bill based on past use and weather conditions.

We’re Upgrading Natural Gas Meters To Eliminate Estimated Reads

Smart energy icon

To enhance your service, we will perform a technology upgrade to natural gas meters. Once the upgrade is complete, we won’t have to read meters manually. Instead a truck will drive by your home once a month to capture the meter read. This technology has already been installed successfully on more than 45 million natural gas meters nationwide.

If you have additional questions, call us at 800-477-5050.