GAS meter man..?

[smurfin'herb]

Ok so my gas meter is inside my place and i have lived there a while and have never been asked to call in a meter reading, yet i still get a gas bill every month...? I dont understand how this works out...? I know if your elecrtic meter is inside, then the meter man needs a way to get in and read it, but is it diff for gas meters for some weird reason..? I may add, my meter has a small cylindrical steel device attached to the clear place that covers the dials where the readings are taken. Is this like a camera that just snaps a pic of what the meter reads..? If so, i better move my moms cuz thier leaves are reflecting onto the plastic casing.

 

[drow]

Not totally sure, but I once had put a board blocking the "display" of the gas meter and the guy had knocked on the door one day and asked if I could remove it. I have yet to see a gas meter reader on my property though. The power meter read comes by every month though.

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Meters that are hard to read will be estimated. Not a good thing when they ask for verification and their estimates have been low. They will want the money they have been missing. So, it is a good idea to keep up with what they think you have used, and what you truly have.

Analog meters that cannot be accessed easy (bad dog, etc...) are almost always read with a small telescope. All they need is a clear shot of your meter numbers, and they can read it from many yards away. (most readings are taken this way)

Sounds like you have a digital reader. They are linked direct, OR the meter reader has an RF device or some such that picks up the reading. I don't think there are any things like picture taking devices mounted on the meters.

 

[OgreSeeker]

Yup...they are probably estimating the bill based on your previous bills. Like HD said...if they have been low ballin it then you may get a large bill when they get the actual reading off of your meter. I would just call em up and give them the numbers each month to avoid this.

 

[The Southpaw]

MY gas meter has a device that allows the meter reader to read it from just outside the house.. the Electric meter is read by a car that drives by

peace

 

[Joey56789]

MY gas meter has a device that allows the meter reader to read it from just outside the house.. the Electric meter is read by a car that drives by

peace

Mine too. One time I had the electric guy trying to get in on a few different days, and got him mixed up with the gas guy. I called the gas company and they were mighty confused. They said it just operates on a radio frequency, and a car just drives by and automatically takes the reading. This may be different where you live though.

 

[PonicalChillin]

Smurf,

You've either been getting estimated readings - or they are remotely getting the reading by coming near your house.

You can usually just enter the gas reading online if your using a large name supplier..on their website. You just tell them what digits the needles are between.

I had an experience once where the gas was turned on at a place - but never used..not even a pilot lit. Room was built and garden was almost started when I got a notice saying they needed in to read the meter because they thought it was broken. I explained that it wasnt broken - just no gas was being used, but they wouldn't take that for an answer..they WANTED in.

Well.. I busted ass ..built a wall and called them back to schedule for them to come out. I rexplained my situation to the nice lady this time and she said "O..well in that case.. I'll just credit you for the last few months and nobody needs to come out!"

I was furious and at the same time.

__

Basements are nice because they are cool and close to water/electricity needs.. unfortunately eventually somebody will want in your basement..for legitimate reasons.

Bedrooms are my new choice..a little more difficult when it comes to getting juice and water where you need it..but nobody EVER is going to need into your bedroom. I also like the noise and possible escaped smell a few stories up.

peace
pc