Snohomish County PUD will soon begin checking meters every month, after switching to monthly bills instead of bi-monthly bills.

After the switch in September 2015, PUD continued checking meters every other month, and estimated a customer’s use during the off months.

“While bill estimates have worked for most of our customers, we understand that for some of our customers estimated bills have created hardships,” PUD CEO and General Manager Craig Collar said. “We’ve heard them and are responding with more frequent meter readings. As a customer-owned, public utility, we want to be responsive to the needs of our customers and work to provide resources that help them.”

While PUD spokesman Neil Neroustos said the transition to monthly meter reading is a top priority, it will take some time to be complete. The change will require additional meter readers, securing additional equipment and vehicles, as well as updating the utility’s meter reading and billing systems.

The change is expected to be complete this fall.

In the meantime, customers can contact Snohomish County PUD for individual billing concerns. Any billing errors identified to the utility will be fixed and credits will be applied to customers’ accounts.

Complaints can be addressed by calling customer service at 425-783-1000, on the PUD website or at the new office that just opened Monday in Lynnwood, located at 21014 63rd Ave. W.

Utility officials say even after the transition, however, there will be some cases where PUD will need to estimate usage, including weather limiting access to meters, dogs that prevent entry to a yard or a locked gate.

For more information about the transition to monthly meter readings, click here or call PUD at 425-783-1000.