Estimated Vs Actual AGL Power Meter Readings

uniqualz on 06/05/2021 - 13:59

Hi Guys,

Just after some tight-wad assistance.. I used to be with AGL in Brisbane for our home electricity supply years ago but I suspected they were price-gauging (I never verified it though), so I binned them for Click Energy. Click were brilliant, and seemed quite a bit cheaper per quarter than AGL too (again unverified), but 6 months ago, Click got sold to AGL - so now I've just automatically been switched back over to those AGL dudes (again, unverified), and am now getting used to their slightly different billing system.

Anyway, one thing that caught my eye just now - they don't do actual meter reads - only estimated. My cynical brain tells me that 'estimated' means they overcharge me so they don't lose out, and hope I never submit an actual meter read, so they keep over-charging me.

But does anyone out there know if I'd have a cheaper bill and would be better off if I submitted an actual meter read on their website? I hate the idea of divulging anything to them, but presumably actual is less than estimated? Just thought I'd ask if that's how it works?

Thanks,
UniQualz

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Comments

  • Archi on 06/05/2021 - 14:03
    +2

    why not you just test it out on your next billing period.. and see what they charge matches what you use. in all fairness the estimated could be lower than actual.

    is there something stopping you from doing so?

  • GG57 on 06/05/2021 - 14:05
    +2

    You can check the meter against the 'estimated' reading on the bill, and determine which is better, but longer term they will do an actual reading and square it up then.

  • ltwo on 06/05/2021 - 14:17

    my gut feel tells me it could go both ways. they probably use a range of factors such as previous use, suburb average, season etc to impute your usage. why won't you want to submit an actual read?

    you could be using more than your estimate, or less. either way you only owe them what you actually use.

  • Elppa8 on 06/05/2021 - 14:25
    +1

    Only you can answer that by taking readings every 90 days and calculating the amount and comparing to the estimation.

    Why are they estimating, haven’t they got access to your meter?

  • Drakesy on 06/05/2021 - 14:47
    +2

    It'll all come out in the wash eventually if they undercharge or overcharge you based on estimates.

    When you switch suppliers they'll have to do a final meter read and that'll sort it out.
    May get a refund. may cost more.

    I believe it's probably cutting back on labour costs.

  • Satirical on 06/05/2021 - 14:47
    +1

    It's two estimates and then an actual read which then either negates any overcharging or undercharging they do for me.

  • brad1-8tsi on 06/05/2021 - 15:10

    I was with Click energy too and now with AGL as part of the takeover.

    You can submit meter reads. I did my gas meter yesterday. There is info on their website how to do it, an AGL app to submit the reading and they send a push reminder that it's due.

    If you have an electronic electricity meter they will (eventually) add a wireless monitor to it. In my apartment block of 8 AGL converted their 3 customers to wireless last year. I assume they will get to mine at some point.

  • samyall on 06/05/2021 - 16:27
    +2

    Its all moot as there is always a final meter read when you move or close your account. At that point you'll either get a credit or a bill.

  • Stewardo on 06/05/2021 - 17:11

    You can submit your own meter read.
    The meters are read by one company in each area, not necessarily your provider. They do this quarterly. Then send it to your electricity/gas retailer.
    The computer algorithm estimates what it might be if your on monthly billing. It gets corrected up or down after the actual reading. I don’t think it’s a big conspiracy.

  • avoidfullprice on 06/05/2021 - 17:37

    they don't do actual meter reads - only estimated.

    In QLD, does the retailer or distributor conduct the reads? In NSW I know is the distributor.

    But does anyone out there know if I'd have a cheaper bill and would be better off if I submitted an actual meter read on their website

    When you move out, they will do an actual read. You're just delaying the inevitable. No one knows unless you share with us your previous estimate reads and your today's read

  • Wickz on 06/05/2021 - 18:53

    AGL refuse to read my gas meter even though it’s in clear view from the street and has a clear path to walk to it.

    I just submit my own reading every month and they adjust the bills accordingly. It’s simple / take a photo and email [email protected]

  • Meowcat on 06/05/2021 - 20:12
    +1

    If you have a dog they rightfully won’t go anywhere near the yard to read your meter.
    Also as far as I’m aware unless you have a remote readable meter Energex will be ones sending a meter reader. So your gripes probably have nothing to do with the retailer, even though they are an unneeded parasite layer but anyway…

    You should be getting a little note in the mailbox with Energex branding as to why they couldn’t access it.

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