Dial meters have four to six dials numbered in opposite directions. These dials resemble small clocks. Each dial represents one number in the meter reading.

Follow these simple steps to read your meter:

1. Read and record the number from each dial starting from the left and moving right.
   
2. If the pointer is between two numbers, read the lower of the two numbers. However, if the pointer is between 9 and 0, read the number as 9.
   
3. If the pointer appears to be directly on a number, check the dial to the right before recording the number. If the pointer on the right has not passed zero, record the next lowest number on the dial you're reading.

For example, this meter reads 008070.

Some meters are digital. Reading a digital meter is as easy as reading the odometer on your car. For example, the meter read below is 25368.

Reading Advanced Meters

Once your advanced meter has been installed, the screen will have a digital display. In order to read your new advanced meter, simply look for the screen beginning with the code 004. This screen will show your kilowatt meter reading. The other screens just show your meter communicating to the advanced metering system.

Watch a video on how to read an advanced meter.

Meter Reading Process

Billing your account begins with reading the meter. DTE Energy meter readers attempt to visit your service location once every month to read your gas and/or electric meters.

The meter reader wears a photo identification badge. Always ask to see the badge to make sure the person is a DTE Energy representative. You should deny access to anyone claiming to be a utility representative who does not display an identification badge.

Your meter may be located inside or outside of your building. If your electric or gas meter is on the inside of your building, you may have a device that allows your meter to be read from outside. If you do not have the device installed at your building, the meter reader will have to enter your premises to obtain a reading.

If you are not available when our meter reader arrives to read a meter inside your premises, the meter reader will leave written instructions on your door.

You can report your meter reading online or by calling 800.477.4747, no later than 6 p.m. on the date written in the instructions. When calling, you may use the automated features of our Customer Service Line or speak to a customer representative. The meter reading you provide will be used to prepare your bill for that month. If we do not receive the meter reading before the bill is prepared, we will issue an estimated bill for that month.

There may still be occasions when it is necessary to estimate your meter reading, such as during extreme weather conditions or emergencies. Estimated readings are normally based on the amount of service used for the same period in the previous year. Variations between your actual energy usage and our estimate are usually adjusted the next time we read your meter.

Your bill also indicates the date to expect the meter reader. Check the "To" date in the "Service Period" section. Your meter is usually read on the same date each month, give or take a day. Please help our meter readers by removing snow or trimming the grass and shrubs around the meter. Also, if you have a dog, please secure it when the meter reader is in the area.