This guide will help you determine which version of Connect to enroll your accounts as: Linked with utility provider or Bill Upload. Both are options to automate the processing of your data into Measurabl for electric, fuel, and water meter meter; the determinant being your accessibility to an online utility portal with PDF invoices available.
SYNC BILLS FROM UTILITY PROVIDER:
Linking your account with your utility provider is recommended if you have access to the username and password for the provider's utility portal. Once the account is enrolled in Measurabl, we pull the available new and historical data directly into Measurabl (guaranteed 2 years of historical bills, given it is available).
The below information is required when setting up a 'Connect - linked with utility provider' account:
- Utility provider name
- Utility provider's online portal website address
- Username & password
- Security questions (if applicable)
- Utility account number(s)
BILL UPLOAD:
Bill uploads can be used for utilities which you’re unable to access PDF invoices via an online portal or if you don't have access to the login credentials. This option is only partially automated, and will require you to upload PDF invoices directly into Measurabl.
The below information is required when setting up a Bill Upload account in Measurabl:
- Utility provider name
- Account number(s)
- Access to PDF invoices
The PDF invoices must include the following:
- Account number
- Start/end dates of meter readings
- Usage/ consumption
- Only ONE utility bill per PDF file (1 bill may have multiple pages, but please ensure it is combined into 1 PDF file)
- Scan quality of at least 300 dpi
Once the account is enrolled, you will have to periodically (each month, quarter, etc.) upload bills into Measurabl using the drag and drop process. For further instruction on how to upload your invoices, refer to this guide.
FAQs
Can I switch my account from 'Bill Upload' to 'Linked with Utility Provider'?
If you currently have a Bill Upload account, and would like to switch it to a Connect - linked with utility provider account, you will want to follow the same steps to enroll it as any other new account, but select 'Linked with Utility Provider' in the set up process.
- Go to the 'Connect' tab.
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Click the green 'Add Utility Accounts' button in the top right of the table.
- Fill out the required prompts to add your account. Select 'Sync bills from utility provider portal' and make sure you enter the account number exactly as it appears currently.
- Click 'Save' when complete.
NOTE: All data previously added to this account will move over with the account within 24-48 hours.
What about switching my account from 'Linked with Utility Provider' to 'Manual Bill Uploads'?
Please follow the steps in the above FAQ, except select 'Upload bills manually' when setting up the new account(s).
What if I have a lot of accounts I need to switch?
If you have a lot of accounts you need to switch over, feel free to use our Connect Accounts Bulk Upload template.
- To access the template, please refer to the Connect Accounts Bulk Upload Template in the Bulk Upload Templates article.
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Once you download the spreadsheet, fill out the required columns for whichever type you are switching over to.
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If you're switching to 'Bill Upload', the following fields are required:
- Site ID = Site Name
- Provider Name = Service Provider
- Account Number = Account Number (Include spaces, hyphens. etc.)
- Offline Account = True/False
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If you're switching to 'Connect - linked with utility provider', the following fields are required:
- Site ID = Site Name
- Provider Name = Service Provider
- Account Number = Account Number (Include spaces, hyphens. etc.)
- Offline Account = True/False
- Utility URL = The URL to access the online portal of the provider
- Username = Username to access the online portal
- Password = Password to access the online portal
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If you're switching to 'Bill Upload', the following fields are required:
- You may add multiple accounts on this spreadsheet. Be sure to fill out the required columns for each account you put.
- Send back the completed spreadsheet to us!