,LADWP Meter Reader Exam — Class 1611 | 150 Practice
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep
SECTION 1: METER READING FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1–30)
1. A meter reader arrives at a property where the electric meter display is partially obscured by dirt,
but several digits can still be distinguished. What should the meter reader do?
A. Estimate the unreadable digits from the previous bill
B. Record only the digits that are visible
C. Clean or otherwise safely access the meter so the complete reading can be obtained
D. Use the customer's reported usage
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete register reading. Estimating or
relying on customer information can produce an inaccurate billing record.
2. A previous electric meter reading was 48,275 kWh. The current reading is 49,016 kWh. What is the
consumption?
A. 641 kWh
B. 741 kWh
C. 751 kWh
D. 1,741 kWh
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading gives 49,016 − 48,275 = 741 kWh.
3. A meter reader encounters a locked gate preventing access to a meter. The meter is not visible from
the public area. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Enter through the gate without permission
B. Estimate the reading from the previous reading
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
D. Ask a neighbor for the customer's meter reading
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or enter unauthorized areas. Proper
procedures should be followed when a meter cannot be accessed.
,4. A meter register displays 007845. If the register records whole units, what reading should be
entered?
A. 784.5
B. 7,845
C. 78,450
D. 784,500
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of the meter reading. The reading is 7,845.
5. A meter reader observes that the current reading is lower than the previous reading on a
mechanical register. What should the reader do first?
A. Automatically subtract the current reading from the previous reading
B. Assume the meter has malfunctioned and replace it
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the applicable procedure
D. Add the two readings together
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A lower reading can result from several circumstances, including meter replacement or
register rollover. The reading should be verified rather than automatically calculating consumption.
6. A meter reader must read several meters in different locations. Which practice most directly
reduces errors?
A. Memorizing all readings before recording them
B. Recording each reading carefully at the time it is obtained
C. Recording only unusually high readings
D. Waiting until the end of the route to record all readings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate and accurate recording reduces memory errors and prevents readings from being
associated with the wrong account or meter.
7. A customer approaches a meter reader and asks for the customer's account balance. What is the
most appropriate response?
A. Provide the balance if the customer gives the address
B. Read the balance directly from the meter
C. Follow departmental procedures regarding customer account information
D. Ask the customer to provide a driver's license number and then disclose the balance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meter readers should follow departmental procedures regarding customer account
information. They should not disclose account balances or personal information without proper
authorization.
, 8. A water meter shows a current reading of 48,620 units. The previous reading was 47,985 units.
What is the consumption?
A. 535 units
B. 635 units
C. 645 units
D. 735 units
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading gives 48,620 − 47,985 = 635 units.
9. Which of the following best describes the primary unit of measurement used by LADWP water
meters for billing purposes?
A. Gallons per minute
B. Kilowatt-hours
C. Cubic feet of water consumed
D. Pounds per square inch
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LADWP water meters measure consumption in cubic feet of water. Billing is based on units of
100 cubic feet (748 gallons).
10. A meter reader is reading a straight-reading water meter that shows 001234. What is the correct
reading?
A. 123.4
B. 1,234
C. 12,340
D. 123,400
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leading zeros are not recorded. The reading is 1,234.
11. A meter reader encounters an aggressive dog at a property. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Attempt to read the meter while keeping the dog at a distance
B. Use a defensive tool to restrain the dog
C. Avoid the hazard and follow the established procedure for inaccessible meters
D. Attempt to restrain the dog
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An aggressive animal is a recognized field hazard. The reader should not unnecessarily expose
themselves to the risk. Follow established procedures for inaccessible meters.
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep
SECTION 1: METER READING FUNDAMENTALS (Questions 1–30)
1. A meter reader arrives at a property where the electric meter display is partially obscured by dirt,
but several digits can still be distinguished. What should the meter reader do?
A. Estimate the unreadable digits from the previous bill
B. Record only the digits that are visible
C. Clean or otherwise safely access the meter so the complete reading can be obtained
D. Use the customer's reported usage
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete register reading. Estimating or
relying on customer information can produce an inaccurate billing record.
2. A previous electric meter reading was 48,275 kWh. The current reading is 49,016 kWh. What is the
consumption?
A. 641 kWh
B. 741 kWh
C. 751 kWh
D. 1,741 kWh
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading gives 49,016 − 48,275 = 741 kWh.
3. A meter reader encounters a locked gate preventing access to a meter. The meter is not visible from
the public area. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Enter through the gate without permission
B. Estimate the reading from the previous reading
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
D. Ask a neighbor for the customer's meter reading
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or enter unauthorized areas. Proper
procedures should be followed when a meter cannot be accessed.
,4. A meter register displays 007845. If the register records whole units, what reading should be
entered?
A. 784.5
B. 7,845
C. 78,450
D. 784,500
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of the meter reading. The reading is 7,845.
5. A meter reader observes that the current reading is lower than the previous reading on a
mechanical register. What should the reader do first?
A. Automatically subtract the current reading from the previous reading
B. Assume the meter has malfunctioned and replace it
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the applicable procedure
D. Add the two readings together
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A lower reading can result from several circumstances, including meter replacement or
register rollover. The reading should be verified rather than automatically calculating consumption.
6. A meter reader must read several meters in different locations. Which practice most directly
reduces errors?
A. Memorizing all readings before recording them
B. Recording each reading carefully at the time it is obtained
C. Recording only unusually high readings
D. Waiting until the end of the route to record all readings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate and accurate recording reduces memory errors and prevents readings from being
associated with the wrong account or meter.
7. A customer approaches a meter reader and asks for the customer's account balance. What is the
most appropriate response?
A. Provide the balance if the customer gives the address
B. Read the balance directly from the meter
C. Follow departmental procedures regarding customer account information
D. Ask the customer to provide a driver's license number and then disclose the balance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meter readers should follow departmental procedures regarding customer account
information. They should not disclose account balances or personal information without proper
authorization.
, 8. A water meter shows a current reading of 48,620 units. The previous reading was 47,985 units.
What is the consumption?
A. 535 units
B. 635 units
C. 645 units
D. 735 units
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading gives 48,620 − 47,985 = 635 units.
9. Which of the following best describes the primary unit of measurement used by LADWP water
meters for billing purposes?
A. Gallons per minute
B. Kilowatt-hours
C. Cubic feet of water consumed
D. Pounds per square inch
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LADWP water meters measure consumption in cubic feet of water. Billing is based on units of
100 cubic feet (748 gallons).
10. A meter reader is reading a straight-reading water meter that shows 001234. What is the correct
reading?
A. 123.4
B. 1,234
C. 12,340
D. 123,400
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leading zeros are not recorded. The reading is 1,234.
11. A meter reader encounters an aggressive dog at a property. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Attempt to read the meter while keeping the dog at a distance
B. Use a defensive tool to restrain the dog
C. Avoid the hazard and follow the established procedure for inaccessible meters
D. Attempt to restrain the dog
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An aggressive animal is a recognized field hazard. The reader should not unnecessarily expose
themselves to the risk. Follow established procedures for inaccessible meters.
