I'm not sure of why they want the number other than they will probably send a preservationist out to shut off the water ,etc. . . they want to know if the electricity/water/gas is on or off. The form I use doesn't refer to the number as a serial number, but an Electric Meter #. Perhaps they're the same? Either way, and for whatever reason they want it, I'm feeling more confident about its being the lower and or bar code #.

As far as my first post's post script, I was just curious if the information on the face of the meter is in any way providing "personal information" or just info that someone could use for their benefit. I really don't know what someone could do. It's just a curiousity since we're in these days of keeping our "personally identifiable information" personally un-identifiable.

Thanks for all your replies