Dial meters have four or five 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 lower number on the dial you're reading.

For example, this four dial meter reads 0708.

This five dial meter reads 47954.

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. These meters will alternate between a test display and the reading. The reading will include the letters kWh. as shown below

Reading Advanced Meters

DTE Energy is installing advanced meters throughout it's service area. We will notify you prior to installing your new meter. A card will be left on your door when the meter is actually installed. The new advanced meter's 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 natural gas and/or electric meters. Meter reads for locations with advanced meters are transmitted to DTE Energy through secure cellular technology.

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

All meter readers wear 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.

If you are not available, or the meter is inaccessible, when our meter reader arrives to read a meter at your premises, the meter reader will normally leave written instructions on your door. You may also receive a phone call requesting a customer meter reading.

Your DTE Energy statement provides your next scheduled meter read date in the Current Billing Information Section. You can report your meter reading online or by calling 800.477.4747,  up to five days after the next meter read date shown on your current bill. When calling, you may use the automated features of our Customer Service Line or speak to a customer representative. To enter your meter reading through our automated phone system, press 1 for "residential" or 2 for "business" and say "meter reading." You will then be prompted to provide your meter reading.

There may 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 electric or gas 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.

Remember, your next scheduled read date is shown in the Current billing Information section of your bill. Please help our meter readers by safely securing your pet and removing anything that obstructs the meter.