Meter Readers, Utilities Go Back to List Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Accounting software

Tasks
	Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
	Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
	Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
	Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
	Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
	Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
	Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
	Update client address and meter location information.
	Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
	Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $69,311.00 $33.32  $25.52  $32.54 - $38.32  Bridgeport/Stamford $74,232.00 $35.69  $31.13  $32.54 - $38.32  Hartford $67,847.00 $32.62  $19.92  $18.90 - $42.00  New Haven $69,941.00 $33.63  $28.99  $33.29 - $36.16

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   5   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.