What an estimated bill means
An estimated bill uses a supplier estimate for at least part of the period instead of a meter reading. An estimate may be higher or lower than the energy actually used, so the reading, date and type matter as much as the total.
Reconcile the reading with the bill
Record the meter reading, the date and the units shown. Compare it with the opening or closing reading on the bill and check whether both figures refer to the same meter and register.
- For a two-rate electricity meter, record both registers.
- For a gas meter, do not treat a meter-unit reading as billed kWh.
- Keep the original estimate visible when asking for a correction.
Common mistakes to avoid
Subtracting readings from different dates, mixing gas and electricity units or comparing an in-home display with a supplier bill can produce a misleading difference. A later reading does not automatically show how usage was allocated across an earlier rate period.
Illustrative example: why the reading matters
Illustrative example only: if a bill estimates 1,200 kWh for a period but a dated meter comparison suggests 1,000 kWh, the difference is 200 kWh to investigate. It is not, by itself, proof that the supplier owes a refund: check the dates, rates, standing charges, meter and any later correction.
How to correct an estimate
Submit a safe, dated reading through the supplier account or its published channel and keep the confirmation. Ask which period will be recalculated and whether a revised bill will replace the estimate. If you do not have the bill, ask the supplier to identify the reading, date and estimate used rather than inventing the missing figure.
If the revised bill still looks wrong
Send the supplier a concise timeline with the reading dates, reading types and the statement you are querying. Ask which reading and conversion they used, what period they updated and when you should expect the revised statement.