Abstract: A utility data collection system can be implemented utilizing a serial sequence of transmissions between subsequent utility monitors. Each utility monitor can add its local utility data with the data of preceding utility monitors and transmit the combined set of data to the next utility monitor in the serial sequence. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, low power transmitters can be utilized at each utility monitor in the field to transmit to proximate utility monitors such that high power transmitters are not required to communicate directly with the utility center. Furthermore, the detection of anomalies can be tracked and immediately conveyed to the utility centers from each utility monitor. Components of the utility collection system can be implemented as code, methods and apparatus.