What is the primary function of a meter in utility services?

The primary function of a meter in utility services is indeed to measure the quantity of water, electricity, gas, or other utilities consumed by a customer. Meters provide essential data that utilities use to bill customers accurately based on their consumption. Each type of meter is designed specifically to measure particular types of utilities; for example, water meters measure the volume of water used, while electric meters measure electrical energy usage. This measurement is critical not only for billing purposes but also for tracking consumption trends and managing resources effectively.

While promoting energy efficiency can be a secondary benefit of advanced metering systems, it is not the primary function of a standard utility meter. Similarly, environmental certifications and measurement of building materials are unrelated to the fundamental role of meters in utility services. These functions serve different objectives and are governed by separate standards and practices.