Occasionally, unusual circumstances, such as severe weather, bad road conditions, locked gates, and unfriendly dogs, prevent our meter readers from reading your meter.

• If a meter is estimated it will be indicated in the Usage Profile box at the top right of your bill.
• When this happens, we will estimate your bill based on the energy you've used in the past, the time of year, etc.
• Estimated meter readings can be higher or lower than actual usage; however, bills self-correct in the next billing cycle when the meter is read, ensuring you never pay for more energy than actually used. 
• So if your meter was under-estimated one month recording lower than actual use, your next bill (based on an actual reading) may reflect a higher than anticipated amount, since what should have been billed last month is now reflected in your current month's bill.
• If you receive an estimated bill and prefer a bill based on an actual reading, you can read your meter and call 410-685-0123.  In most cases, the estimated bill can be canceled and re-issued based on the actual reading you call in.

 Instructions on how to read a meter:

• Most meters have either four or five dials with pointers.
• Always begin with the dial on the far right.
• Record the lowest number the pointer has passed, even if the pointer has almost reached the next number. In other words, if the dial falls between two numbers, always select the lower of the two numbers, even if dial is closer to the higher number.
• Follow the same procedure for each dial. Note that as you move from right to left, each dial rotates in the direction opposite the one before it. If the first dial rotates clockwise, the next will rotate counterclockwise, the third clockwise, and so on.
• The four or five digit number that you record is usually all we need to measure your energy use for the month.
• Most gas and electric meters work like an odometer in a car.  So, just as the more you drive the higher your odometer reading, likewise, the more energy you use, the numbers recorded on the meter increase.

You can help avoid estimated bills:

• Keep a clear path to the BGE meters.
• Trim shrubs and brush in front of meters.
• Refrain from building decks or additions in front of, on top of, or around meters. Instead, call us about options for moving your meters.
• Keep dogs away from the meter reader's path to the meter.
• Allow a three-foot clearance for mature shrubs and trees when planting near a meter.
• Make sure your house number is posted prominently.