Estimated Readings

Utilities are authorized to estimate meter readings under the provision of WAC-480. For instance, in adverse weather conditions entire areas may be estimated or small groups within an area estimated, depending on road conditions. If PUD water meters are covered with ice and snow, they are estimated, regardless. Removing the snow to open the box for reading can damage the frost plate. Therefore, customers with both electric and PUD water service may have a normal reading for the electric meter and an estimated reading for their water meter. For those who receive estimated bills, if the service shows usage for the same period one year ago, the same usage is billed as an estimate.

The next time a valid reading is available, the system will bill from the last estimated reading to the new valid reading. It the meter was overestimated the difference will display as a credit on the bill.

The PUD avoids estimating bills unless absolutely necessary. Even though no one likes to receive an estimated bill, we request that if you receive an estimated bill that you pay the bill.

Remember if you have questions about your bill or require payment arrangements; contact our Customer Services personnel at your nearest area PUD office.