Why your meter read might be estimated
Some meters must be read in person. If the meter reader can’t safely access the meter, we can’t get an actual reading and your bill will be calculated using an estimated meter read.. The exact reason your read was estimated will appear on page 2 of your bill.
You must provide access at least once every 12 months, and we’ll work with you to make sure that happens.
Ensuring safe access to your meter
Clear and safe access makes it much easier to provide you with accurate bills. Please:
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Keep the area around the meter clear - prune plants, remove clutter and building materials.
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Ensure gates are unlocked and easy to open on or around your scheduled read date.
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Remove personal locks from meter boxes.
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Secure pets so the meter reader can enter safely.
You can find your next scheduled read date on the last page of your bill.
If special instructions are needed to access the meter at your supply address, or if you’d like to arrange a special read, please contact us.
What to do if you receive an estimated read
If you receive a bill and notice that the read has been estimated, you have two options.
You can pay the bill as usual and we will make sure your bill is adjusted correctly the next time we get an actual meter read.
You can submit a self read for review and get your bill adjusted. You don’t need to make any payments while we are reviewing the read.
How to submit your own meter reading
You can request an adjustment by sending us a self meter read via:
Phone Call 131 806. We’ll walk you through how to read the meter and record the numbers correctly.
Email Send a clear photo of the meter - showing the meter number and current reading to info@redenergy.com.au.
When we can accept your self meter read
We will accept your reading if:
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You submit it before the bill due date.
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If sending a photo, it is time-stamped and clearly shows the meter number and reading.
If you submit a self-meter read and meet the above requirements, we will re-issue your bill based on that reading. If we haven't received an actual meter read at your supply address within the last 12 months, we will reach out to you to schedule one or contact us on 131 806. ✅ If your self meter read is accepted: We will issue you a new bill with a new due date, based on your self meter read.
❌ If your self meter read is rejected: We will let you know the reason in writing and your original bill and due date will remain. If you’re not satisfied with the decision, you’re welcome to lodge a complaint. It will be managed under our Complaint Management and Dispute Resolution Policy.
How to read the meter
Here’s how to read the different types of electricity and gas meters you might have.
Reading the electricity meter
Digital electricity meter Read the numbers from left to right, ignoring the final number. In this example, the reading is 2518.
Dial electricity meter Ignore the 1/10 and 1/100 dials — these are check dials.
Read each dial from left to right. If the pointer is between two numbers, record the lower number. The below reading is 8028.
Reading the gas meter
Metric gas meter If you have a metric meter, record the numbers on your meter from left to right. In the example below, the reading is 2932.
Dial (imperial) gas meter Read each dial from left to right. If the pointer sits between two numbers, record the lower number. The below reading is 3032.
Frequently asked questions
My electricity meter is remotely read, why have I received an estimated bill?
From time to time meters that are normally read remotely may not be available due to:
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Communication issues - this could occur for the entire billing period, or often just for certain intervals during the period but deems the overall billing period estimated
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Meter fault
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Natural disasters or other large/impactful incidents
In these situations the network will provide an estimation of the read based on historical data. Self reads for these types of meters are not accepted. For more information about your estimated bill for a remotely read meter, please contact us on 131 806.