For utilities, what condition allows installation of a meter in a crawl space or utility closet?

The correct answer states that the meter must be easily accessible for reading. This is essential because water meters require regular readings to monitor consumption accurately and efficiently. If a meter is installed in a location that is not easily accessible, it can lead to challenges in obtaining readings, affecting billing accuracy and utility management.

Accessibility ensures that personnel can quickly and safely reach the meter for routine checks, maintenance, or repairs. Having the meter in a crawl space or utility closet is permissible if it does not impede access for these purposes and meets any other regulatory or safety standards.

The other options present conditions that might not align with practical or regulatory considerations. For instance, meters do not have to be exclusively outdoors as long as they are positioned for convenience and compliance. Furthermore, while it is true that certain guidelines may discourage placing meters in basements due to potential flooding risk in some areas, the specific regulatory conditions can vary. Lastly, while placing the meter at the highest point in the building may be advisable for certain installations, the primary criterion remains the ease of access for regular reading and maintenance.