meter reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meter reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to utilities, such as electricity, water, or gas, to refer to the measurement of consumption recorded by a meter. Example: "Please submit your meter reading by the end of the month to ensure accurate billing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As your meter readings are shared with your energy supplier automatically, you won't need to submit meter reading to receive an accurate rather than estimated bill.

The Guardian

As consumers we have devolved our meter reading to the energy companies.

The Guardian

The Commonwealth Edison Company of Chicago has been actively testing automatic meter reading systems at Belvidere, Ill.

The New York Times

Data were recorded for relative water content, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), photosynthetic characteristics and water use efficiency (WUE) at 7 and 30 days after imposing drought.

Agricultural Water Management

Don't aim the camera right at the sun though; take a meter reading off to the side a bit so the clouds will be exposed perfectly.

The New York Times

automatic meter reading.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Each energy company has a different automated telephone meter reading system.

BBC

Further, to see any meter reliability problems, a physical meter reading can be adopted to monitor thermal output from 2015 to 2019, followed by automatic meter reading through the mobile phone system.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

It specialises in automated meter reading technology for both gas and water applications and low power radio data collection technology.

BBC

They are also set to bring an end to estimated bills, because the technology sends back an accurate meter reading to the energy company every day.

BBC

This should bring an end to estimated bills, because the technology could send back an accurate meter reading to an energy company every day.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing a "meter reading" to your utility company, double-check the numbers to avoid billing errors.

Common error

Don't assume your bill is accurate without verifying. Always compare the "meter reading" on your bill with your meter's current display, as estimated readings can sometimes be significantly off.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meter reading" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the numerical value displayed on a meter that indicates the amount of a resource consumed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct. This reading is used for billing and monitoring purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meter reading" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to the value displayed on a meter, indicating resource consumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily to convey information for billing and monitoring purposes, with a neutral register suitable for both technical and everyday contexts. Common errors include confusing estimated readings with actual ones. Related phrases include "utility reading" and "consumption reading". The most authoritative sources using this phrase are BBC, The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utility reading

Focuses specifically on readings from utility meters, such as gas, water, or electricity.

consumption reading

Emphasizes the act of measuring consumption rather than the meter itself.

meter measurement

Highlights the act of measuring performed by the meter.

instrument reading

Broadens the scope to any kind of instrument providing a reading, not just meters.

gauge reading

Similar to meter reading, but often used for pressure or level measurements.

dial reading

Refers to the specific value shown on the dial of a meter.

counter reading

Highlights the numerical display of the meter.

index reading

Focuses on the numerical index provided by the meter.

registered value

Emphasizes that the meter has recorded a specific value.

displayed measurement

Focuses on the visual representation of the measurement.

FAQs

How often should I submit my "meter reading"?

The frequency depends on your utility company's policy. Some prefer monthly submissions, while others only require it quarterly or rely on smart meter technology.

What's the difference between a smart meter and a traditional "meter reading"?

Smart meters automatically transmit your usage data to the utility company, eliminating the need for manual readings, unlike traditional meters where you must "submit meter reading" yourself.

What if my "meter reading" seems unusually high?

Check for leaks or unusual consumption patterns. If nothing seems amiss, contact your utility company to investigate potential meter malfunctions or billing errors.

How can I find my "meter reading" on my utility bill?

It's typically located in the usage details section, often labeled as 'current reading' or 'meter reading'. Some bills also show previous readings for comparison.