Understand the distinction
A meter record becomes useful when you know when it was taken, which meter it belongs to and what unit it shows. Estimated and actual readings may also serve different roles on a bill. Do not silently combine them as if they were equivalent observations.
Put it in your home notes
Use the supplier’s normal reading instructions without opening equipment or touching wiring. Keep a private log with date, unit and reading type. If a display is unclear, consult the supplier or applicable manual rather than trying to infer its meaning from a photograph of another model.