Meter Readers, Utilities
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 2 of 12 tasks
Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 7.5% of the role's time · $80.5M · all three pass it
Report lost or broken keys.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 2.8% of the role's time · $30.1M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
physical work, outside the screen · 16.0% of the role's time · $172M
Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
physical work, outside the screen · 15.2% of the role's time · $163M
Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
physical work, outside the screen · 12.6% of the role's time · $136M
Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.0% of the role's time · $96.7M · waiting on a check
Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.4% of the role's time · $90.8M
Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.7% of the role's time · $72.7M · waiting on a check
Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.9% of the role's time · $63.2M
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.5% of the role's time · $58.8M
Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.3% of the role's time · $56.6M
Update client address and meter location information.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.2% of the role's time · $56.2M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 9350 | $470M | $48.2M | $35.1M |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | 3580 | $270M | $27.7M | $20.2M |
| Natural Gas Distribution | 1750 | $109M | $11.2M | $8.1M |
| Other Support Services | 2230 | $103M | $10.6M | $7.7M |
| Water, Sewage and Other Systems | 1610 | $85.7M | $8.8M | $6.4M |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 280 | $18.3M | $1.9M | $1.4M |
| Employment Services | 400 | $16.2M | $1.7M | $1.2M |
| Utility System Construction | 110 | $5.6M | $579k | $422k |