What is the primary purpose of a gas meter?

The primary purpose of a gas meter is to measure the volume of gas consumed by a household or business. This measurement is crucial for billing purposes, as utility companies need to quantify the amount of gas that has been used over a specific period. The gas meter tracks consumption to ensure that customers are accurately billed based on their actual usage.

Gas meters typically operate on a volumetric basis, often measuring in cubic feet or cubic meters. This allows for a consistent measurement method regardless of pressure or temperature conditions in the gas line.

Regulating pressure, controlling flow in pipelines, or measuring voltage are functions associated with other devices in the gas system but are not the primary function of a gas meter. Understanding that a gas meter specifically provides a measurement of gas consumption helps clarify its role in both the utility framework and daily operations for consumers.