It's easy to read your meter track how much electricity or natural gas your family is using.
Energy meters have either four or five dials on the face. Some dials move from zero to nine in a clockwise direction, while others move counter-clockwise.
Your meter reading will have four or five digits - one number for each dial on the meter. When the pointer on a dial is between two numbers, read the smaller number, as in the example below:
When you have your meter reading, you can determine your approximate usage by subtracting the number from the last month's reading list on your previous bill.
For the best results, read your meter at the same time every day for a week. This will give you a good daily average for your family's energy needs.
Learn more: Meter reading basics, security and safety for Alliant Energy customers
