Manual readings are easy to collect and surprisingly easy to lose. A number may sit in a family chat, another in a photograph, and an older value in a notebook with no clear date. A useful log connects every cumulative value to the correct physical meter, unit, timestamp, and person who recorded it. MeterBook keeps that narrow workflow in a private web page that opens from an ordinary link or QR code.
Use one workspace for one place or trusted group
Name the workspace after a location everyone recognises, such as “Oak Street apartment” or “Workshop utilities.” Keep the shared note operational and short. Avoid account numbers, door codes, occupancy schedules, or other sensitive details that do not help someone read the correct display.
Represent each physical display separately
Add a separate meter for electricity, gas, water, heat, solar generation, or another cumulative counter. Match the unit to the display and add a simple location hint when two devices could be confused. Do not combine multiple physical meters into one history.
Record exactly what the display shows
Enter the cumulative value without converting units or subtracting the previous reading. Confirm the date and time, add your name, and use a note only for useful context such as an access issue. The history calculates the change while retaining the original values.
Treat the log as coordination, not official evidence
MeterBook does not connect to a provider, verify a meter, calculate a bill, or prove who was physically present. Compare important values with the provider’s official records and resolve unexpected consumption with the responsible owner, landlord, technician, or utility.