General data structure of a Utility Meter Reading data

 When extracting meter data from a meter reading system, the data is typically organized into specific data types and formats to ensure efficient processing and analysis. Some common data types and attributes related to meter readings include:

1. Meter Identifier (String/Integer): A unique identifier for each meter, which can be a combination of letters and numbers, or an integer value.

2. Timestamp (DateTime): The date and time when the meter reading was taken, typically represented in a standard date-time format (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS).

3. Reading Value (Integer/Float): The actual meter reading value, which can be an integer or a floating-point number, depending on the meter's precision.

4. Unit of Measure (String): The unit of measure for the meter reading, such as kWh (kilowatt-hours) for electricity, m³ (cubic meters) for water, or BTUs (British Thermal Units) for gas.

5. Reading Type (String): The type of reading, which could be an "actual" reading obtained from the meter, an "estimated" reading based on previous consumption patterns, or a "calculated" reading derived from other readings.

6. Status/Flag (String/Boolean): Additional information about the reading, such as "valid," "invalid," or "disputed." This can be represented as a string or a boolean value.

7. Reading Channel (String): The method used to collect the meter reading, such as "manual," "AMR" (Automatic Meter Reading), or "AMI" (Advanced Metering Infrastructure).

These data types and attributes enable utilities to accurately track consumption, manage billing processes, and perform data analysis for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.