Household chores usually aren’t fun, but you should really make time to read your water meter. It only takes a few minutes every three months, but it could save you time, money and stress.
Why should I read my water meter?
A lot of people in Winnipeg aren’t reading their water meters. Around 34 percent of all utility bills we send out are estimated. Last year, that worked out to be 324,503 estimated bills.
This means not everyone is paying for the water they actually use.
Submitting your meter reading ensures you only pay for the water you use. You’re required to submit at least one reading every year under the Water By-Law.
Another benefit of that reading is it can help you spot leaks before they become too costly.
You can submit your reading to us 24/7 online or through our automated phone line at (204) 986-4445, providing you have your meter reading card. If you’re not sure how to read your meter, we have plenty of information to help you on MyUtility.
What happens when you don’t read your meter
If we don’t receive a reading from you, our billing system will generate an estimated one.
This estimate is based on what your water use was during the same time period last year, your last bill, and what the average use is for a similar customer.
If we don’t have any previous information from you to work from, the system will base the bill on general consumption patterns that have little to do with your specific water usage.
The risks of estimated bills
Estimated bills can be too low or too high, and both can cause headaches.
If the estimate is too low, you may be in for a surprise later. That’s because we could send you a higher catch-up bill to cover that water you used and didn’t initially pay for. We know receiving a utility bill higher than you’re used to can come as a shock, and paying for it can be tough.
If the estimate is too high, that means you’re paying for water you haven’t used. You likely have many other things you’d rather be spending that money on.
Why estimated bills can be frustrating
It can be a stressful process to clear up estimated bill concerns. To get billed for your actual water usage, you will need to submit a new reading to us either through our online form or by calling us.
If you choose to call us, be prepared to wait. While we want to be able to help you as quickly as possible, our Utility Billing Centre is often tied up with other people wanting to discuss their estimated bills. Our email processing time is also delayed for this reason.
Depending on the difference between the estimated meter reading and the reading you provide, you may have to wait for a new bill to be sent or you may be advised to just pay the estimated bill. We know both scenarios can be frustrating.
You can skip all this work by simply providing us with regular accurate meter readings.
How estimated bills impact our ability to help you
Every estimated bill inquiry and request for a re-bill takes time and effort. Our staff must assess the request, determine if a new bill is required, and then generate that new bill, if necessary.
Estimated bills are just one of many reasons people call our Utility Billing Centre. So, when our employees are looking into estimated billing issues, it means everyone must wait longer, regardless of why they are calling.
Tips to remind you to read your meter
We mail out meter reading cards every three months to prompt you to read your meter. Instead of tossing those straight into the recycling, put them some place you can’t ignore, until you have the time to read the meter.
Why not pair the task of reading your meter with another basement chore to remember? Consider reading your meter every three months, at the same time as you change your furnace filter.
You can also write it on the fridge calendar or set a recurring alert on your phone.
If you’re signed up for MyUtility, you’ll also get email reminders. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to also sign up for MyAccount. Not only can you link your MyUtility profile to it, but you can also get other City information tailored specifically to you and your property.
We thank everyone who takes the few minutes to read their meters. It’s a small action that can have a big impact.