What is an estimated gas bill?

What happens when an estimated invoice is higher than an actual invoice?

It should first be made clear that no customer is going to pay more for their gas consumption than the amount corresponding to actual use. Estimated bills are simply a tool to prevent consumers from accumulating bills.

If there is an extra cost in the estimated gas bill compared to the amount corresponding to actual consumption, the extra amount paid will be deducted in the next invoice.

For example, if you usually receive a gas bill every two months and the distribution company has not sent the meter reading, your supply company will have to issue an estimated invoice.

However, if an estimated bill was not issued, you would receive a gas bill after 4 months instead of 2 months. This would lead to an accumulation of two bills in one which would mean an unexpected expense you had not counted on. Estimated invoices enable the accumulation of unforeseen payments and expenses to be avoided in your daily life.

Why does estimated consumption not exactly match actual gas consumption?

As the estimated consumption of gas is made taking into account actual consumption in the previous year, it is difficult for both values to be exactly the same for different years.

It may be that last year you consumed more gas during those same months or that you spent less time at home and your consumption was lower. That is why an estimated gas bill may be higher or lower than expected.

In the same way, any variation or cost overruns on the bill will be corrected in your next bill so you only pay for the gas you actually consume.   

Solutions so you no longer receive estimated gas bills

As it is the distribution companies that read the meters it is impossible for you to know whether or not they have been able to read your meter. To avoid receiving an estimated invoice you have a number of options:

You can send the meter reading directly to the supply company

To send the data for your real consumption and avoid estimated gas bills you need to do the following:

1. Locate your contract number: you will find it in the header on the gas bills you have already received. You can also check it in your client area.
2. Take a meter reading: it should be available to you, since in many communities there is a specific room where all the counters are located.
3. Send the meter reading: send the data before the end of the billing period. We recommend you send it 10 working days in advance.

The most practical way to send us the reading is from your Endesa Client Area in the "Contracts" section. If you are not registered you can check our content on how to enter a gas meter reading.

Please bear in mind that if a technician has not come by to read the meter, we will take into account the data you have sent us to calculate your real gas consumption. If we do not have a meter reading made by a technician or sent by you, then we will issue an estimated invoice. We would also like to remind you that the data sent by technicians and personal readings are collated to avoid any errors.

Contract a flat-rate gas tariff

If you would prefer to simply forget about estimated bills and how much your bill will be for, a definitive solution is to contract a flat-rate gas tariff.

Unique to Endesa offers a genuine flat-rate tariff (you always pay the same, whatever you consume) with a fixed, totally customised monthly quota. What is more, with our rewards we refund money if your energy consumption is responsible and efficient.

To find out more you can check all the advantages of Endesa's authentic flat-rate gas tariff.