Before the days of computerization -utility bills

[tali1]

Before the days of computerization how did utility companies, in particular, calculate bills and also maintain customer accounts/records?

[boxtops]

A man used to come and read your meter, go back to the office with the reading, they worked it out and typed up a bill for you, then mailed it to you. They kept paper records.

[society]

Ledger and a calculator, abacus, log books.

[piggynose]

its funny that you mentioned this, only a few years ago, when in uk. i got a bill which was more than i expected, when i questioned it, they simply said i needed to do my own reading as theres was an estimate!!

[northernmonkey]

Mental maths.

[factor-fiction]

Hi piggynose. Estimating readings is very common and the estimates are usually pretty good- they know your average daily consumption at different times of teh year and can adjust it based on weather fluctuations and actual usage figures from other consumers.

I think northernmonkey is right- I think people were much more numerate in terms of mental and written calculations even though thet had to contend with pounds, shillings and pence.

Also I think price structures were more straightforward years ago- now companies have numerous price structures and complex rating systems- the first so many units cost 5p each, the next 500 cost 3p, etc with seasonal adjustments thrown in too.