JOB DUTIES 

Meter Readers may:

Drive a truck or walk on an established route

Take readings of meter dials in route books or on hand-held microcomputers

Inspect meters and connections for defects, damages, and unauthorized connections

Record and report irregularities to the service department

Check for unusual changes in amounts used and explain them

Return the route book or the hand-held microcomputer to the business office for the preparation of bills

Turn on service for new occupants

Turn off service in premises for nonpayment of bills or because of vacancy

The tools and equipment used may include:

• Hand tools

• Route books

• Flashlights

• Business forms

* Electronic equipment to obtain readings

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

209.567-010 METER READERS record the amounts of gas, electricity, water, or steam used by residential or commercial customers as measured by meters.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Meter Readers work alone on an established route under the supervision of a chief Meter Reader. They work primarily outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some must read meters that are located indoors. They may encounter such hazards as unfriendly pets and steep basement stairs.

Most Meter Readers work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may have to work overtime occasionally.

Many are required to wear uniforms, but uniforms are generally furnished by the employer.

Meter Readers may join a union. The particular union varies with the type of utility and the employer. Meter Readers working for the Detroit-

Metropolitan Water System and other local water departments may join The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Those working for electric utility companies may join The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or The Utility Workers Union of America. Meter Readers who join a union must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working alone

• Doing routine, definite, and organized work

• Working outdoors in varied weather conditions

• Dealing with things and objects

You Should Be Able To:

• Notice details and recognize defects in meters and connections

• Learn/follow routine meter reading procedures according to standards

• Do repetitive, short-cycle operations

• Deal tactfully with people when handling complaints

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the average power consumption of a house is 900 kilowatts per day, and the first house you check used 1000 kilowatts, what is the percent difference from the expected value?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Electric light bulbs are rated directly in watts (power), for example, 100-W or 60-W.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining an abnormal power consumption reading to your supervisor, so he or she can look into it.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most productive route to collect your readings, so you can complete as many readings as possible.

Since some routes may require Meter Readers to drive, you should have a valid driver's license. To enter some business establishments, you should be at least 18 years old.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-the-Job Training provided by the employer, A High School Diploma or equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the limited number of workers needed, there are few ways to gain experience in this occupation. There is usually no part-time or seasonal work. Working in billing offices of utility companies may help you learn the responsibilities of a Meter Reader.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Meter Reader employer

internships

volunteer work with a Meter Reader employer

community service work with an agency

To get a job as a Meter Reader, apply directly to utility companies such as Detroit Edison, Consumers Power, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, or to local government water departments. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from local offices of Michigan Works!, or local unions. Job openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank   

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter your electronic resume with these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Meter Readers depend on experience, level of job responsibility, geographic location, and somewhat, on the employer.

Nationally, the median earnings of Meter Readers in 1998 were $29,016.

Water Meter Readers working for local governments in Michigan had annual earnings of (1999):

Meter Readers working for electric utilities in the Detroit metropolitan area earned between $36,608 and $40,498 per year (late 1998). Readers in gas utilities had base annual earnings between $28,080 and $40,227 in the Detroit area (late 1998). In addition to their regular pay, many Meter Readers receive cost-of- living allowances.

Depending on the employer, most Meter Readers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some workers receive optical and dental benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Advancement opportunities are limited. Meter Readers may advance to a meter repair position after gaining experience or training. A few Meter Readers advance to supervisory positions after gaining seniority and demonstrating ability.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 55,000 utility company Meter Readers employed nationally in 1996. Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Most openings will occur as Meter Readers retire, die, or transfer to other occupations. The industry distribution for Meter Readers looked like this:

The trend toward less frequent meter readings, staggered billing dates, and automated meter reading equipment may limit employment growth somewhat. Even so, meter readers for utility companies do have good job security and are seldom laid off.

There were approximately 1,325 Meter Readers employed by utility companies in Michigan. Over half worked in the Detroit area. About one-third worked for local governments, primarily in water departments. Most worked for utility companies, including gas and electric.

Employment of Meter Readers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. About 30 openings will occur due to the need to replace those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will become available to replace Meter Readers who are promoted or who transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Individuals hired by Electric Power Companies are likely to have relatively secure jobs. Even during downturns in the economy, these companies seldom lay off employees.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.