For one thing, he uses an ATtiny13 to actually read the sensor values ... you can use a disassembled mouse to keep track of the Gas Meter.

take a visible photo of your meter reading and serial number and submit it as soon as possible. The Energy Price Guarantee limits the amount you can be charged per unit of gas or electricity.

A lot of time and money is consumed each month manually reading 7,000 electric meters and 5,300 natural gas meters for Hutchinson Utilities Commission. But the savings it can eventually reap ...