Remote reading and meter readings
- Working principle for remote reading
- If the transmission of readings is interrupted, we use an estimation of the readings
- Submission of readings if the estimated readings differ from the real ones
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Remote meter reading
A remotely read meter is a meter that sends the readings to us by remote meter reading.
Remotely read meters measure electricity consumption by the hour. The meter sends us data on how much electricity you consume at least once a day. Most meters transmit data using the same power lines that bring electricity to the building. A few meters send data by mobile communications.
Always keep your meter plugged in
The remote meter must be plugged in at all times. Even if you leave the building for a long time—e.g. you do not visit your summer house during the winter—you should turn off electricity in the building from the switch on the meter, and not at the main fuse. The meter screen will not turn blank, but will continue showing numbers. This is how you know that the meter is in working order.
The only exception is during electrical work, when you should turn off power from the main fuse to ensure safety.
If you want to turn off electricity in the building, press the switch on the meter for 2 seconds and then wait. After about 8 seconds, you will hear a click, meaning that the power has been turned off.
You can turn on the power in the same way. If you want to turn on electricity in the building, press the switch on the meter for 2 seconds and then wait.
A blinking square or a square with a cross in it on the lower left of the meter screen means that the power has been turned off; if the square is not blinking, the power is on.
The location of the switch on the meter can differ depending on the meter type.
Kaugloetavate arvestite juhendid:
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Interruptions
Sometimes, we do not receive consumption data from your meter. The most common cause for this is an interruption in data communication.
An interruption is caused by ‘noise' in the electrical cables, which prevents the data from being transmitted. Such an interruption may occur because of faulty equipment (such as AC adapters for appliances, frequency converters or equipment that does not comply with CE requirements). The fault need not be evident when using the equipment.
However, such faults do not influence the operation or measuring precision of the meter; the meter records the consumed amounts at hourly intervals.
Elimination of remote reading interruptions
We know which meters are not sending metering data. If there is a lack of metering data, we will investigate the situation thoroughly.
As a rule, we restore remote reading within two to three months. Restoration may take longer, however, depending on the complexity of the problem.
We will contact the customer and agree on a visit if we need access to the meter or equipment to eliminate the fault.
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Estimations
We use estimated readings (metering data) if we have not received information on the consumed amounts by the time of billing. Estimations are made on the third and fourth days of each month based on consumption history.
For remotely read meters, we make an estimate based on the actual hourly data received in our system for the past 12 weeks (the average for the same hours for up to three days of similar consumption). If the actual hourly data is not available, we use the consumption for the past 12 months and the standard consumption schedule assigned for the place of consumption.
If the meter is not remotely read, we make an estimate on the basis of the past 12 months' consumption and the standard consumption schedule assigned for the place of consumption.
If estimated quantities differ considerably from actual consumption:
If the bill is based on estimated quantities and the estimated reading considerably differs from the actual reading, we recommend that you submit the actual meter reading. In such a case, we will adjust the estimated quantities based on the reading received.
Estimation precision may be affected by:
- a lack of previous consumption, e.g. new connections;
- significant changes in consumption patterns, e.g. transition to electric heating, transition to year-round use of the consumption point, additional appliances, etc.;
- other factors influencing consumption, such as significant changes in outdoor temperature.
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Taking and submitting a reading
If a bill is based on estimated quantities and the estimated reading considerably differs from the actual reading, we recommend you submit the actual meter reading.
Taking a reading from the meter:
Submission of readings:
If no data has been received from a meter for 15 days, you can submit readings in our e-service. Once we receive the metering data again, you will no longer be able to submit readings.
Readings can also be submitted by calling our automated call answering system 800 4545 (only landline phones) or 777 1545, then pressing 1.
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Should I submit my readings?
You only have to submit readings if you do not have a remotely read meter at your place of consumption.
You can see in the e-service whether or not your place of consumption has been transferred to remote reading. If your meter is remotely read, you cannot enter or send readings in the e-service, and it will tell you that your meter is remotely read if you try to enter them.
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When should I submit readings?
If your place of consumption has not been transferred to remote reading, we expect your meter readings in the last three days of the month or by the third day of the following month. So you can submit your March reading in the e-service between 29 March and 3 April. For the months when you do not submit us your meter readings, we estimate your power consumption by looking at your consumption history and the standard consumption schedule.
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Estimating electricity consumption
We estimate electricity consumption based on your average consumption and the standard consumption schedule for your place of consumption.
Standard consumption schedules
We assign standard consumption schedules for places of consumption to match the electricity consumption of the previous twelve months and the type of place of consumption.
The consumption schedule for conventional consumption is for houses where the yearly consumption is below 4000 kWh, and for apartment buildings with more than twelve apartments that use district heating.
The seasonal consumption schedule is used for houses where the yearly consumption is between 4000 and 10,000 kWh, and in apartment buildings with less than twelve apartments that do not use central heating.
The standard electric heating consumption schedule is used for customers whose yearly consumption exceeds 10,000 kWh or for those who have notified us that they use electric heating.
Summer consumption schedules are for summer houses or for customers who have notified us that they mostly use electricity in summer. This schedule cannot be used for apartments.
The standard consumer schedule for business customers is for places of consumption belonging to business customers with a main fuse rating of less than 63 A or with a distribution network connection, such as street lighting, utility rooms, basements or general lightning in apartment buildings.
General lighting in apartment buildings is for points of consumption in apartment buildings other than apartments, such as the supply for utility rooms, basements, or general lighting.
The street lighting schedule is for places of consumption classed as street lighting.
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Where should I submit readings?
Submitting readings by calling 800 4545
The meter readings line 800 4545 is an automated call answering system that can only be accessed from a landline telephone. When you call the meter readings line you will hear the following message: "Tere, helistasite näiduteatamise telefonile 800 4545. Peale helisignaali teatage 40 sekundi jooksul oma lepingu number, aadress ning päevase ja öise elektriarvesti näit." (Hello, you have called the meter readings line 800 4545. After the beep, please give your contract number, address, and day and night readings within 40 seconds.)
Shortly after this message you will hear a short beep. You should then give:
- your network contract number, which you can find on your bill,
- the address of the place of consumption,
- the meter reading or readings.
Your message will be saved after you hang up the phone. There is no charge for calling the meter readings line.
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What if I do not submit my reading on time?
If you do not have a remotely read meter at your place of consumption and submit your readings late, we will estimate electricity consumption based on your average electricity consumption. If you submit your actual figures in the next reading submission period – then we will adjust your consumption data accordingly.
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How can I submit readings in the e-service if the contract is not in my name?
You can submit readings in the e-service even if the contract has not been signed by you. The holder of the contract can authorise you to log into the e-service. Authorisations can be made for managing all contracts or groups of consumption points or for organising billing.
The easiest way to make authorisations is to use the e-service. More about authorisations »
Please note. Only customers with contracts can make authorisations and the authorised person must be registered as a customer in the e-service. You can join the e-service and register using your ID card, mobile ID or internet bank.
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How can a company submit readings in the e-service?
A company that has not used our e-service before must contact us, after which we can register a representative of the company as a user of the e-service. A company can be represented by a management board member who has been entered in the commercial register, or by anybody authorized to represent the company under a power of attorney.
After becoming a user, a company representative can authorise others to use the e-service. More about authorisations »
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Why are my readings being estimated?
Your readings are being estimated because we did not receive your actual meter reading by the time for issuing your invoice. We estimate your power consumption based on your consumption history.
Readings may be absent for several reasons: you failed to send us the reading, there was a communication failure from the remote meter or the main fuse switched off. In the case of a communication failure with the remote meter, consumption data per hour is stored in the meter. Such a failure does not affect the operation of the meter or the accuracy of the measurements. When communication is restored we will perform a reassessment based on the actual volumes of consumed power.
