Estimated Bills
Estimated Bills
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What are estimated bills?
Estimated bills occur when your local distributor can’t read your meter. This usually happens when there is an access issue to your meter due to either locked gates, unrestrained pets or even long grass. In rare instances, it can also be due to severe weather hazards like floods or bushfires. At times, there can be an issue with the meter reading equipment or with the meter data, like unusually less or more consumption compared to your property’s previous pattern. Estimated bills have the word “Estimate” on the second page of your bill.
Estimated bills have the word “Estimate” on the second page of your bill
What happens after I get an estimated bill?
We understand the importance of calculating your bill using the actual meter reads. The meter reader will attempt to take an actual meter reading on the next scheduled read date.
Once we have an actual meter reading, we will make the necessary adjustments to your last billing period so that you only pay for the energy you’ve used.
- If your last bill was over-estimated and you paid more than you needed to, we will apply a credit to your next bill.
- If your last bill was under-estimated and you did not pay for all the energy you used, we will add those charges to your next bill.
You can also submit your own meter reading. Not sure how to read your meter? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve received multiple estimated bills though, please contact us so that we can organise a suitable time for your meter to be read. Your meter should be read at least once every 12 months to ensure the meter has no faults and that you only pay for the energy you use.
How can I avoid an estimated bill?
The meter reader will try to access your meter on the date it is scheduled to be read. It is your responsibility to provide safe, unhindered access to the meter at your property.
- Find out where the meter is located at your property and make it accessible. This may mean clearing away growing plants or materials so that the meter is clearly accessible and visible.
- Plan ahead by noting when your meter is scheduled to be read. The date of your next meter read can be located on page 2 of your most recent bill.
- Make sure you leave your gate unlocked, or have someone at the property, or are keeping pets inside during the scheduled meter read.
- If your meter is not easily accessible, you can contact us at least 3 business days before the scheduled read date to make suitable access arrangements or give us access instructions to pass onto the meter service provider.
Is your bill over estimated? Here is what you can do
Sometimes the readings we receive from the distributor may be different to what you’ve actually used – there’s a few ways to get this sorted out. You can choose to wait it out until you receive your next bill and if it’s an actual meter read, it will balance out the estimated read.
Your other option is to submit a self-read and have your bill updated. You will receive your new bill within 5 business days.