Jim Elbrecht wrote:

I have one of the digital meters outside that the electric company
reads while driving by.

Is there any way I can read it from inside my house?

I've been tempted to go old school and just mount a couple mirrors so
I can read it inside- but a digital reader would be handy- and
something that plugs into a computer & records usage would be
outstanding.

I'm going to call the electric company [National Grid] later today-
but thought I'd ask here so I know a little bit about it when
I call.

Thanks,
Jim

My guess as to how it works: The drive by sends a radio signal asking
nearby meters to respond. Each sends back its meter number and current
KWH reading along with a checksum, probably encrypted. Some of the
responses interfere with each other and are missed, but picked up a bit
later as the vehicle continues down the road.

You would need a radio transceiver tuned to the right frequency (likely
in the GHz range) and knowledge of what to send and how to decode what
comes back. Assuming you could actually get a real person to speak to
you on the phone, it's very unlikely they would or could tell you what
you need to know. The utility buys this gear from a specialist. Neither
party wants you to know the nitty-gritty ... it invites mischief. They
might be willing to sell you the electronics package. Big bucks.