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How to Read a Meter
Learn how to read a meter, about estimated reads and Consumers Energy Smart Energy® Program.
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.
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.
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.
What is Smart Energy?
We're installing upgraded meters for all our electric customers. Total energy use is sent daily from the meter to us, eliminating estimated bills.
We’re Upgrading Natural Gas Meters To Eliminate Estimated Reads
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.
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