LADWP METER READER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026/2027 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
Core Domains
• Meter Reading Procedures and Accuracy
• Consumption Calculation and Billing Concepts
• Field Safety and Hazard Recognition
• Customer Service and Professional Conduct
• Equipment Use and Documentation
• Route Management and Time Efficiency
• Regulatory Compliance and Company Policy
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
Introduction
This examination assesses the candidate's ability to perform meter
reading duties for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. It
evaluates accuracy in reading electric, gas, and water meters,
calculating consumption, recognizing field hazards, and interacting
professionally with customers. Questions include multiple-choice and
scenario-based formats designed to test judgment, safety awareness, and
adherence to established procedures. Candidates must demonstrate
reliability, attention to detail, and the physical and mental capability to
complete assigned routes independently and accurately.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. What is the primary responsibility of a meter reader?
,A. Repairing malfunctioning meters
B. Accurately reading and recording utility meters
C. Processing customer payments
D. Installing new meters
B. Accurately reading and recording utility meters
RATIONALE: The primary responsibility of a meter reader is to
accurately read and record utility meters for billing purposes.
2. When recording a meter reading, what should the meter reader
always verify first?
A. The customer's account balance
B. The meter number matches the assigned account
C. The weather conditions
D. The previous reading
B. The meter number matches the assigned account
RATIONALE: Verifying the meter number ensures the correct
reading is recorded for the correct account.
3. 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
B. 741 kWh
RATIONALE: Consumption is calculated by subtracting the
previous reading from the current reading: 49,016 − 48,275 = 741 kWh.
4. What is the primary purpose of a meter reading route?
A. To determine employee work hours
B. To efficiently organize the sequence of meters to be read
,C. To calculate customer bills
D. To schedule equipment maintenance
B. To efficiently organize the sequence of meters to be read
RATIONALE: A route organizes the sequence of meters to be read
efficiently, minimizing travel time and ensuring all assigned meters are
read.
5. A meter register displays 007845. What reading should be entered
if the system requires the numeric value only?
A. 784.5
B. 7,845
C. 78,450
D. 784,500
B. 7,845
RATIONALE: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of
the meter reading. The correct entry is 7,845.
6. What should a meter reader do if a meter display is partially
obscured by dirt?
A. Estimate the unreadable digits
B. Record only the visible digits
C. Clean or safely access the meter to obtain the complete reading
D. Use the customer's reported usage
C. Clean or safely access the meter to obtain the complete reading
RATIONALE: An accurate reading requires obtaining the complete
register reading. Estimating or relying on customer information can
produce an inaccurate billing record.
7. What is the primary safety concern when approaching a residential
property?
, A. Customer's landscaping preferences
B. Hostile dogs and other animals
C. The color of the house
D. The number of vehicles in the driveway
B. Hostile dogs and other animals
RATIONALE: The job description notes that meter readers must
contend with hostile dogs. Situational awareness is critical for personal
safety.
8. If a meter reader encounters a locked gate preventing access to a
meter, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Climb over the gate
B. Enter through the gate without permission
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
D. Ask a neighbor to read the meter
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
RATIONALE: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or
enter unauthorized areas. Proper procedures should be followed when a
meter cannot be accessed.
9. 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
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the applicable
procedure
D. Add the two readings together
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the
applicable procedure
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026/2027 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Core Domains
• Meter Reading Procedures and Accuracy
• Consumption Calculation and Billing Concepts
• Field Safety and Hazard Recognition
• Customer Service and Professional Conduct
• Equipment Use and Documentation
• Route Management and Time Efficiency
• Regulatory Compliance and Company Policy
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
Introduction
This examination assesses the candidate's ability to perform meter
reading duties for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. It
evaluates accuracy in reading electric, gas, and water meters,
calculating consumption, recognizing field hazards, and interacting
professionally with customers. Questions include multiple-choice and
scenario-based formats designed to test judgment, safety awareness, and
adherence to established procedures. Candidates must demonstrate
reliability, attention to detail, and the physical and mental capability to
complete assigned routes independently and accurately.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. What is the primary responsibility of a meter reader?
,A. Repairing malfunctioning meters
B. Accurately reading and recording utility meters
C. Processing customer payments
D. Installing new meters
B. Accurately reading and recording utility meters
RATIONALE: The primary responsibility of a meter reader is to
accurately read and record utility meters for billing purposes.
2. When recording a meter reading, what should the meter reader
always verify first?
A. The customer's account balance
B. The meter number matches the assigned account
C. The weather conditions
D. The previous reading
B. The meter number matches the assigned account
RATIONALE: Verifying the meter number ensures the correct
reading is recorded for the correct account.
3. 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
B. 741 kWh
RATIONALE: Consumption is calculated by subtracting the
previous reading from the current reading: 49,016 − 48,275 = 741 kWh.
4. What is the primary purpose of a meter reading route?
A. To determine employee work hours
B. To efficiently organize the sequence of meters to be read
,C. To calculate customer bills
D. To schedule equipment maintenance
B. To efficiently organize the sequence of meters to be read
RATIONALE: A route organizes the sequence of meters to be read
efficiently, minimizing travel time and ensuring all assigned meters are
read.
5. A meter register displays 007845. What reading should be entered
if the system requires the numeric value only?
A. 784.5
B. 7,845
C. 78,450
D. 784,500
B. 7,845
RATIONALE: Leading zeros do not change the numerical value of
the meter reading. The correct entry is 7,845.
6. What should a meter reader do if a meter display is partially
obscured by dirt?
A. Estimate the unreadable digits
B. Record only the visible digits
C. Clean or safely access the meter to obtain the complete reading
D. Use the customer's reported usage
C. Clean or safely access the meter to obtain the complete reading
RATIONALE: An accurate reading requires obtaining the complete
register reading. Estimating or relying on customer information can
produce an inaccurate billing record.
7. What is the primary safety concern when approaching a residential
property?
, A. Customer's landscaping preferences
B. Hostile dogs and other animals
C. The color of the house
D. The number of vehicles in the driveway
B. Hostile dogs and other animals
RATIONALE: The job description notes that meter readers must
contend with hostile dogs. Situational awareness is critical for personal
safety.
8. If a meter reader encounters a locked gate preventing access to a
meter, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Climb over the gate
B. Enter through the gate without permission
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
D. Ask a neighbor to read the meter
C. Follow established access and reporting procedures
RATIONALE: Meter readers must not bypass access restrictions or
enter unauthorized areas. Proper procedures should be followed when a
meter cannot be accessed.
9. 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
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the applicable
procedure
D. Add the two readings together
C. Verify the meter and reading information and follow the
applicable procedure
