Method of remotely reading a group of meters

In a remote meter reading system including a group of meter interface units wherein each meter interface unit is operable in an inactive state, wherein each meter interface unit is periodically activated to monitor a communication channel for channel activity, and is responsive to communication signals from a meter reading device, a method of remotely accessing a meter interface unit, comprising the steps of:

• initiating, by the meter reading device, communication with a target meter interface unit selected from among the group of meter interface units;
• transmitting, by the target meter interface unit, a message containing a group identifier for the target meter interface unit, in response to the communication initiated by the meter reading device, when the target meter interface is activated;
• receiving the message by the meter reading device;
• and
• transmitting, from the meter reading device, a message on the communication channel, the message including the group identifier received from the target meter interface unit.