Reading your residential electric and natural gas meters can help you keep track of your energy usage and identify any potential issues with your energy consumption. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to read these meters:

1. Locate the meter: Electric and natural gas meters are usually located on the outside of your home, near the main electrical panel or natural gas meter. If you are unable to find the meter, you can check with your utility provider for more information.
2. Read the meter: The numbers on an electric or natural gas meter represent the amount of energy you have used. To read the meter, start at the leftmost digit and work your way to the right. Do not include any numbers after the decimal point. If the meter has a dial, read the dial from left to right, and record the number that the hand points to. If the hand is between two numbers, record the smaller number unless the hand is directly between two numbers, in which case you should record the number it is closest to.
3. Record the reading: Record the meter reading in a notebook or on a piece of paper. If you are reading the meter for the first time, you should record the date and time along with the meter reading. This will allow you to track your energy usage over time.
4. Compare readings: If you have taken multiple readings, compare them to see if your energy usage has increased or decreased. You can use this information to identify any changes in your energy consumption habits and make adjustments as needed.

By regularly reading your electric and natural gas meters, you can better understand your energy usage and identify any potential issues. This can help you save money on your energy bills and be more energy efficient.