It\u2019s safe to say that none of us love receiving bills, but few things are more frustrating than receiving one that’s based on an estimate. Read on to see what you can do to avoid an estimated bill and what to do if you receive one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estimated meter reads are essentially best guesses. They\u2019re sent through to your retailer (Origin is an energy retailer) when the local distributor<\/a> can’t read your meter \u2014 usually this is because they\u2019re unable to safely access your meter due to either unrestrained pets, locked gates or even long grass. In rare instances, it can be due to severe weather events like flooding or bushfires, faulty meter reading equipment or issues with the meter data (when it looks like you\u2019re using a lot more, or significantly less, than usual for that time of year).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to avoid an estimated read is to make sure there\u2019s always easy and safe access to your meter. One of the most common reasons for estimated reads are our furry family members<\/a>. Sadly not everyone\u2019s a fan of the four-pawed and sometimes even the most friendly dogs don\u2019t take too kindly to having strangers in their yard. On top of the meter readers safety, there\u2019s also the concern for your pets welfare \u2013 we\u2019d hate for them to make like Houdini and escape! Providing clear access to your meter will also help reduce the chances of you getting an estimated bill. Make sure your grass is trimmed, there are no objects that could be a tripping hazard and there aren\u2019t any vehicles blocking the way. If your meter\u2019s located in a particularly odd nook or cranny, please let us know<\/a>, as we can provide access details to the local distributor<\/a> who reads your meter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also know how important it is to feel safe and secure in your home, so if you\u2019ve got a gate that needs to be locked, there are distributor approved locks you can purchase. These allow the meter readers to get the job done, whilst maintaining your peace of mind. Most distributors list their preferred locksmiths on their website, so if you pop in your details we\u2019ll let you know who’s the distributor in your area<\/a>. A little unsure? No problem! Send us a message<\/a> on Facebook and we’d be happy to point you in the direction of an approved locksmith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to see whether the estimated reading\u2019s in line with your usage is to compare it with actual read on your meter. If the reading on your meter is higher than the estimate on your bill, this would indicate it\u2019s in line \u2013 if the reading on your meter is less, your usage<\/a> has likely been overestimated. Not sure how to read your meter? We\u2019ve got you covered<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes the readings we receive from the\u00a0distributor<\/a>\u00a0may be different to what you\u2019ve actually used, there\u2019s a few ways to get this sorted out. You can choose to wait it out until you receive your next bill and if it\u2019s an actual meter read, it will balance out the estimated read. Otherwise, if your estimated bills due date is no later than today’s date, you can\u00a0submit a self-read<\/a>\u00a0and we’ll use the self-meter read you have provided to adjust your estimated bill with updated usage information and a new due date. We can do this within five business days \u2013 if you\u2019ve got\u00a0email billing<\/a>\u00a0you\u2019ll receive the new bill within five business days. Get your bills via snail mail? It can take up to 10 business days to reach you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow can I avoid an estimated bill? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To make sure your meter read goes off without a hitch, ensure your pet can\u2019t access the meter. A few options are keeping them in a separate fenced off section, asking a friend to mind them or keeping them indoors for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to check your estimated reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
My bill\u2019s been overestimated, what now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n