Comments on: Manually Report Utility Meter Readings To Avoid Being Overcharged

By: Weekend Reads: Memorial Day and Saying Thanks | Steadfast Finances

Weekend Reads: Memorial Day and Saying Thanks | Steadfast Finances — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:29:33 +0000

[...] Free Adventure tells a story of why you should learn how to Manually Report Utility Meter Readings To Avoid Being Overcharged. His electric and gas company overcharged him two months in a row, and he saved $160 spotting [...]

By: DebtFREEk!

DebtFREEk! — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:39:02 +0000

Both months were listed as actual readings.

I did give accurate readings because, as you said, giving a lower reading will just result in having to pay for the usage the next month since the meter always continues to roll.

We have no obstructions in front of the meters, and none to get back to them…it’s all wide open.

When they request the reading, they know most people do not know how to read a meter, so they just ask you for the two numbers each dial is between, and round up.

So, I still don’t know why they reported inaccurate readings, but thanks a lot for all the info Alan, all really good stuff.

By: Alan @ Saving For Serenity

Alan @ Saving For Serenity — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:43:38 +0000

When you got your bill, was it reported as an actual reading or as an “estimated” reading? If it was estimated, then it most likely was higher than an actual reading. The companies obviously estimate high, just in case.

If it has been getting estimated, find out why. If the reader can’t get access to your meter, make sure that they can. Clear bushes, open gates, etc.

If you call in a lower reading than it actually is, be aware that eventually you’re going to have to pay for the usage. If you get a low bill one month, it’ll be “made up” the next. If you get overcharged, the next month it will be even lower.

When you’re reading your meter, be sure to read it from right to left. If the first dial (on the right) is at a “0″, the next, even if it is in between the 1 and the 2, is actually a “2″, as it is dependent on the dial before it.

By: DebtFREEk!

DebtFREEk! — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:55:57 +0000

Good idea Matt, I think I will take your advice. I’ll let you know what happens too.

Thanks.

By: Matt SF

Matt SF — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:42:35 +0000

I think you should send your story to the local news station as well as The Consumerist.

I love the idea of automated meter reading, but if even a single customer is overcharged, it needs to be remedied or discarded.