A method for wirelessly transmitting data from an utility meter, such as an electric meter, is disclosed. A microprocessor housed inside an energy meter obtains readings of various power indicia, stores the readings, processes the buffer to determine an efficient means of formatting the data for transmission using a radio frequency communications link. The method examines the plurality of readings and determines if values can be communicated by transmitting an initial reading and followed by the difference of the next reading from the previous reading. A special indication is transmitted to turn 'on' compression and allow the receiver to propertly interpret received data. Other indicators are transmitted to turn 'off' compression, turn on compression for a pre-defined limited duration, or vary the range of the difference between readings.