No gas meter on outside of house, how is Nat. Grid reading my meter? (purchase)

[Bakamonogatari]

I moved into a detached private house about a year ago and there's one thing I've always been confused about. My gas meter is in the basement, but National grid has been sending me bills based on actual meter readings and I'm confused as to how they're getting these readings. There's nothing on the outside of the house, and the meter in my basement is quite old, with mechanical dials and no electronics that I can see. Con-ed uses a smart-meter, DEP uses wireless, so how does Nat. Grid do it if they don't have access to the meter itself?

[ubering]

Pretty sure NG also uses wireless. My meter is underground and they get actual readings every month.

[city living]

You should ask them yourself. Call and inquire.

My mom has the meter reader come into the house. Haha.

[Wells5]

Originally Posted by Bakamonogatari

I'm confused as to how they're getting these readings. There's nothing on the outside of the house, and the meter in my basement is quite old, with mechanical dials and no electronics that I can see. Con-ed uses a smart-meter, DEP uses wireless, so how does Nat. Grid do it if they don't have access to the meter itself?

You may not be able to see the electronics but the dials should be in a plastic extension to the unit that hides the transmitter. It's powered by the spinning of the smallest dial, which charges a battery.

[Mr.Retired]

Originally Posted by Bakamonogatari

I moved into a detached private house about a year ago and there's one thing I've always been confused about. My gas meter is in the basement, but National grid has been sending me bills based on actual meter readings and I'm confused as to how they're getting these readings. There's nothing on the outside of the house, and the meter in my basement is quite old, with mechanical dials and no electronics that I can see. Con-ed uses a smart-meter, DEP uses wireless, so how does Nat. Grid do it if they don't have access to the meter itself?

The transmission device is located within the glass meter housing.
I was told that it was self sustaining but just had the head replaced a few months back
as the unit failed after approximately 7 years. This goes hand in hand with the current manufacturing
of electronic components. Many are designed to last only 7 years for a number of reasons. If you
own any device built up to the late 80's you are fortunate as many components still manufactured in
the United States were built according to military specifications and will probably last a 100 years.
To date China controls the microelectronic market..............Eeeek...... If possible, I will only purchase
from any other continent of manufacture paying a premium