How to tell if your bill was estimated
Look at the meter reading section of your bill. Estimated reads are usually marked with an E, the word estimated, or a note near the reading. Some bills show two lines, one for the previous read and one for the current read, with a code beside each.
If your usage is exactly the same as last month, or nearly so, that is another sign. Real use rarely repeats to the kWh.
Why estimates happen
- The meter reader could not get to the meter because of a locked gate, a dog, snow or a blocked path.
- Bad weather or a work disruption delayed the route.
- The meter is hard to read or has failed, and a technician has not yet fixed it.
- A smart meter did not send its data for the period because of a communication problem.
What happens when the next real read arrives
Your meter counts total use, like an odometer. The next actual reading is compared with the last actual one, and the utility bills the real difference, minus what the estimates already charged. If the estimates were too low, the catch-up bill is larger. If they were too high, you get a credit.
| Month | kWh billed | Reading type |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 600 | Estimated |
| Month 2 | 600 | Estimated |
| Month 3 | 1,500 | Actual, covering 2,700 kWh of real use over three months |
In this example the real use was 900 kWh a month. Two estimates of 600 kWh left a gap of 600 kWh, and it shows up in month three. Spread over several months and seasons, that gap can come as a shock. The numbers are invented.
What to do
- Read your own meter. Many utilities let you send a reading by phone, online or in an app. A digital meter shows the number on its display. A dial meter is read from left to right, taking the lower number when a pointer sits between two.
- Ask for an actual read. If the meter is hard to reach, ask the utility to fix access, or to schedule a read.
- Check the numbers. Compare the reading with the last actual read and with the kWh on the bill.
- If a catch-up bill is large, call the utility and ask about a payment arrangement. Many allow you to spread it over several months.
- If a meter looks wrong, ask for a meter test. Your state commission can explain your rights.
Rules differ by state
Smart meters and estimates
A smart meter sends readings to the utility on its own, so fewer bills rely on a person reaching the meter. Estimates can still happen when the meter fails to send data for a period. If your bill is estimated and you have a smart meter, ask the utility to check the meter's communication.
How to prevent an estimate
- Keep the path to the meter clear, and leave gates open on read days or tell the utility how to get in.
- Secure pets on read days.
- Send your own reading if the bill invites it.
- Keep your phone and email current in your account so the utility can reach you.
Keep your own record
Take a photo of the meter display on the same day each month and keep it. If a bill looks wrong, you can compare the numbers and show the utility what the meter said. This also helps you see your real use between bills. A wrong estimate that you can document is far easier to correct.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does an estimated meter read mean?
It means the utility did not read your meter that month and billed you for an estimated amount, usually based on your past use. A later actual reading corrects the difference.
Can an estimated bill be wrong?
Yes. It is a guess, so it can be too low or too high. The next actual read settles the difference, and you may get a catch-up charge or a credit.
Why is my bill so high after an estimated bill?
If the estimate was lower than your real use, the next bill includes the gap. Check the reading, and ask about a payment plan if the amount is large.
How do I read my own electric meter?
A digital meter shows a number you can copy. A dial meter has several dials. Read them from left to right, and use the lower number when a pointer is between two. Your utility usually shows a diagram.