What is Meter Reading?

Meter ReaderA meter is a device that measures how much electricity a home or business uses. It is usually located outside, on the side of the building. The meter records the amount of energy consumed over a period of time, which enables PNM to know how much to charge for electricity. The information from the meter is important for keeping track of energy usage and ensuring that customers receive accurate bills.

At PNM, we understand that accurate meter readings are essential for providing reliable electricity service to our customers. Meter readings allow us to track energy usage, ensuring that billing is both fair and transparent. Whether you're a residential customer or a business owner, regular meter readings help us serve you better, support energy efficiency, and contribute to a sustainable future for New Mexico.

How to identify your meter read date

Your meter read date corresponds to your billing cycle, which is the first two digits of the number that appears to the left of return address on the PNM payment coupon. On this example, the billing cycle number is 01, the first two digits of 0101.

So now that you know how to determine your billing cycle, you can use the Meter Read Schedule to see what day of the month your meter will be read throughout the year.

2025 Meter Read Schedule

Identify Your Billing Cycle

How to Read Your Meter

There are four or five dials on your meter. Read the dials from left to right and note the lowest number the hand of each dial has passed. Note the direction each dial is moving. The dials on the electric meter below indicate 7 3 1 5 6.

Sample Meter Dials

How to Submit a Meter Reading

Hard to read meterYou may want to read your own meter if you have dogs, shrubs and other issues that prevent access for our meter readers. We will still read your meter every month if we can gain access. We must read your meter at least once a year to ensure accuracy. You will be contacted to make arrangements for the annual meter reading.

Some customers read their own meters and call in their readings to PNM at 1-888-DIAL-PNM (888-342-5766).

You can submit your meter readings online by logging in to your PNM online account. If you do not yet have an account, it takes just a few minutes to set one up, and you have access to other programs as well as personalize your PNM account information. Submit your reading(s) two calendar days before your meter read date each month.

Submit a Meter Reading

Energy Use History

On your bill, you may see a graph containing your energy usage history for the specific account/address located on the bill. This graph provides data and a visual image of your kilowatt hour consumption (kwh) for the current billed month. In addition, it provides the same information for previous month¿s bills and whether that bill & kwh was from an Estimated reading, a Corrected bill, or a Previous (actual) reading and bill.

Customers may see a wide variation in kwh consumption based on household/resident habits, appliance efficiency, heating & cooling sources. For example, if electric space heaters are used during colder months, you may see a spike in your kwh consumption. Likewise, if air conditioning units are used during the summer months, you may see a spike in your kwh consumption during those months compared to the winter months.

For more information about saving money and energy on your electric bill, please visit our website at pnm.com/save-money-and-energy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my read date?

We are unable to change reading dates because they are based on when we will be in different neighborhoods.

Can I read my own meter?

Some customers read their own meters and submit the readings to us. They choose to do this because of dogs, shrubs and other issues related to access to the meter. You are welcome to do this, you just have to let us know you want to read your own meter. Otherwise, we'll continue to read it on a monthly basis.

How do I submit my meter reading online?

After reading your meter, submit your meter reading.

Why was my bill estimated?

In some cases, your energy use may be estimated because our meter reader was unable to read your meter. To help us read your meter each month, please make sure we have clear and easy access to your meter.

Learn More