Meter readers inspect and maintain gas, electric, water or steam meters. Their responsibility is to ensure the billings are correct. Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a meter reader can help you decide whether this is the right career option for you. In this article, we find the answer to, “What does a meter reader do?”, and explore the essential skills and steps to become a meter reader.
What Does A Meter Reader Do?
To understand the answer to, “What does a meter reader do?”, it’s best to review their job duties. Meter readers issue accurate bills for the utility companies. They determine if there is an issue with the meters or the connections and report it to further authorities. It is a meter reader’s job to connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
Here are the duties and responsibilities of a meter reader:
- Read electric or other meters and enter collected information into a handheld notebook and then in the computer.
- Install meters at new locations and make sure they are set to zero before using them.
- Turn utility services on and off in case of outstanding payments.
- Verify readings if there are abnormal readings, find errors and fix them.
- Answer customers’ questions or refer them to customer service experts when needed.
- Update the address of clients, meter status and meter locations in the company’s directory.
- Work in residential or commercial areas depending on the demands and number of utility connections in the area.
- Inform the company personnel in case meters require any technical corrections.
