Meter Reading Basics

Once a month, an Alliant Energy meter reader will come to your home and record the reading on your electric and/or gas meter. You will be billed for the amount of energy you have used since the previous meter reading.

The normal meter reading period is 25-35 days, but this schedule will fluctuate with weather conditions, resource restrictions and holidays.

Your meter reader will make every effort to read your meter as scheduled but is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, illness, holidays and resource restrictions.

If your meter reader is unable to enter your property due to any safety hazards, your meter will not be read and your usage will be estimated according to the previous year's usage during the same month. Any difference from your actual usage will be adjusted on the following month's bill.

How to identify an Alliant Energy meter reader

All Alliant Energy employees carry a photo ID card that they are prepared to show at your request. Don't let anyone enter your home if he or she cannot show you proof of identification. If you have a concern, please call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT for verification.

You might notice an Alliant Energy meter reader using binoculars along his or her route. This allows us to read more meters each day, and helps us avoid estimating readings in areas where the meter is inaccessible. Only our most experienced and proficient meter readers are allowed to use binoculars to ensure accurate readings.

Brochures and fact sheets:

Your Guide to Meter Reading: Iowa and Minnesota [PDF]

2008 Meter Reading Schedule: Iowa and Minnesota [PDF]