Understanding energy bills can be confusing. Here are a few common terms you might see and what they mean.
Estimated Read vs Actual Read
- Actual Read
This is when the retailer records your usage based on a real meter reading, either from a smart meter or a physical meter inspection. Actual reads are the most accurate. - Estimated Read
This is when the retailer estimates your usage based on past consumption because a meter read was not available. Estimated reads can sometimes result in higher or lower bills than expected.
If you receive a large estimated bill, follow the steps here
NMI and MIRN
- NMI (National Meter Identifier)
This is a unique number that identifies your electricity meter. Every electricity supply point in Australia has its own NMI. - MIRN (Meter Installation Registration Number)
This is a unique number that identifies your gas meter.
Think of NMIs and MIRNs as the account numbers for your meters. They help retailers correctly bill and manage your site.
Smart Meter
A smart meter automatically sends usage data to the retailer, removing the need for manual meter reads.
Billing Period
The billing period is the time range your invoice covers. If usage seems unusually high, it’s always worth checking the billing period length and whether the read was estimated or actual.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about any terms on your bill or dashboard, contact support@termina.io and our team will be happy to help.