A wireless meter reading system and method are provided to facilitate billing a consumer for utility usage. The wireless meter reading system comprises: (a) at least one utility meter; (b) at least one camera or imaging device optionally coupled to the at least one utility meter, wherein the at least one camera or imaging device operates to provide wireless meter reading image(s) of the utility meter from time to time, and wherein the wireless meter reading images comprise utility usage data and identifying data of the utility meter; (c) a power source coupled to the camera or imaging device; (d) a communication device for wirelessly receiving the meter reading images from the camera or imaging device; and (e) a wide area connection with the communication device for communicating the meter reading images to a central location.