An EBS interface sensor board is located adjacent to the fireplace wall switch. Sensor wires connected to the fireplace switch read open/closed conditions for fireplace unit. The meter readings (time that the gas valve is open) are multiplied by the BTU/hour specification of the fireplace to determine the relative amount of gas (in 100 cubic feet = CCF) that has flowed through the gas valve. Times are then transmitted via the on board transmitter via repeaters to the receiver and Central Unit. The Receiver and Central Unit, typically installed in the clubhouse, decodes transmissions from the Receiver and stores the meter readings for retrieval by Energy Billing Systems, Inc's billing computer.