LADWP METER READER EXAM — CLASS 1611: 200-QUESTION
TEST (2026/2027 UPDATE) COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Meter Reader according to
the LADWP Class 1611 position description?
A. Repair damaged electrical transformers and water mains
B. Accurately read and record utility meter information using a hand-
held computer
C. Approve customer billing adjustments and payment plans
D. Design meter reading routes and schedules
Rationale: The official Meter Reader position description states that a
Meter Reader "reads water and electric meters and makes accurate
recordings of those readings using a hand-held computer; reports
irregularities found in the field; and deals tactfully and courteously with
customers." Repairing infrastructure and approving billing adjustments
are responsibilities of other classifications.
2. Which skill is MOST critical when recording a meter reading?
A. Speed, even if accuracy is compromised
B. Accuracy
C. Consistency with a neighbor's reading
D. Similarity to the previous month's bill
Rationale: An incorrect reading can affect customer records, billing,
investigations, and utility operations. Accuracy is the most important
characteristic of a meter reading.
,3. 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
Rationale: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete
register reading. Estimating or relying on customer information can
produce an inaccurate billing record.
4. 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
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading
gives 49,016 - 48,275 = 741 kWh.
5. 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
Rationale: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or enter
,unauthorized areas. Proper procedures should be followed when a
meter cannot be accessed.
6. 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
Rationale: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of the
meter reading.
7. 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
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.
8. 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
, Rationale: Immediate and accurate recording reduces memory errors
and prevents readings from being associated with the wrong account or
meter.
9. 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
Rationale: Meter readers must adhere to departmental policies
regarding the release of customer account information to protect
privacy and security.
10. What is the primary purpose of recording a utility meter reading?
A. Estimate what the customer will owe
B. Determine the customer's credit rating
C. Accurately document measured consumption
D. Determine whether the customer is home
Rationale: The meter reading provides the utility with an objective
measurement used to determine consumption and support accurate
account records.
11. A meter reader encounters a display that is difficult to see because
of glare. What should the reader do first?
A. Guess the unreadable digits
B. Record the previous reading
C. Change position or viewing angle to obtain a clear reading
TEST (2026/2027 UPDATE) COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Meter Reader according to
the LADWP Class 1611 position description?
A. Repair damaged electrical transformers and water mains
B. Accurately read and record utility meter information using a hand-
held computer
C. Approve customer billing adjustments and payment plans
D. Design meter reading routes and schedules
Rationale: The official Meter Reader position description states that a
Meter Reader "reads water and electric meters and makes accurate
recordings of those readings using a hand-held computer; reports
irregularities found in the field; and deals tactfully and courteously with
customers." Repairing infrastructure and approving billing adjustments
are responsibilities of other classifications.
2. Which skill is MOST critical when recording a meter reading?
A. Speed, even if accuracy is compromised
B. Accuracy
C. Consistency with a neighbor's reading
D. Similarity to the previous month's bill
Rationale: An incorrect reading can affect customer records, billing,
investigations, and utility operations. Accuracy is the most important
characteristic of a meter reading.
,3. 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
Rationale: An accurate meter reading requires obtaining the complete
register reading. Estimating or relying on customer information can
produce an inaccurate billing record.
4. 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
Rationale: Subtracting the previous reading from the current reading
gives 49,016 - 48,275 = 741 kWh.
5. 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
Rationale: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or enter
,unauthorized areas. Proper procedures should be followed when a
meter cannot be accessed.
6. 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
Rationale: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of the
meter reading.
7. 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
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.
8. 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
, Rationale: Immediate and accurate recording reduces memory errors
and prevents readings from being associated with the wrong account or
meter.
9. 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
Rationale: Meter readers must adhere to departmental policies
regarding the release of customer account information to protect
privacy and security.
10. What is the primary purpose of recording a utility meter reading?
A. Estimate what the customer will owe
B. Determine the customer's credit rating
C. Accurately document measured consumption
D. Determine whether the customer is home
Rationale: The meter reading provides the utility with an objective
measurement used to determine consumption and support accurate
account records.
11. A meter reader encounters a display that is difficult to see because
of glare. What should the reader do first?
A. Guess the unreadable digits
B. Record the previous reading
C. Change position or viewing angle to obtain a clear reading
