Perform a Billing Cycle

Billing cycles are a step-by-step process in Utility Billing, with each step requiring completion of the previous one to continue. There are multiple touchpoints throughout this process to update meter readings and imports, but once invoices are generated, the billing cycle is considered complete and cannot be edited further.

To test meter reads, run tests, and generate invoices, you must first create a billing action.

1. Export Readings

The previous meter readings must be exported and updated to the current meter readings.

Export Reading Instructions

1. Sign in to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Select the billing cycle on the calendar
   

4. Click the Export button
   

2. Import Meter Reads

Once meter readings have been updated and completed, they must be reimported into Utility Billing. The import process may differ depending on the method of import.

• Harmony Import Instructions

• Neptune 360 Import Instructions

The progress of imports is tracked at the bottom of the Operations calendar.

After an import has been completed, a modal will pop up displaying the import results, how many readings were successfully imported or failed, and any errors encountered.

3. Run a Test and View Results

Tests should be run after meter reads have been imported into Utility Billing. You may run as many tests as you like. This is the opportunity to catch any errors in meter reads or billing, note any abnormal utility use in the QA tab, and make any adjustments.

Run a Test Instructions

1. Sign in to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Select the billing cycle
   

4. Click the Run Test button
   

   Note:

   This process may take some time to complete.

5. To view test results, click the QA tab
   

6. Click the Billing Review button
   

7. Filter the table

4. Charge Bills

Accepting a test generates the bill record in the finance tab for all accounts and updates user balances.

Charge Bill Instructions

1. Sign In to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Select the same Billing Cycle for which you ran a test
   

4. Click Accept Test
   

   Note:

   The Accept Test button may not appear immediately after a test was run.

5. Accept Test Results

1. Sign In to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Click the Accept Test button
   

6. Generate Invoices

There are several processes for generating your invoices. You may wish to use a report, or you can use our HTML template to generate PDFs. For the latter, once your invoice template is finalized. These PDFs can be used for eBills, which your users may optionally choose to opt in for electronic billing, and integrations for mail services.

PDF generation happens after you have imported your meter reads or assessed fees. You will want to follow your operation steps, such as testing, billing, and updating balances.

Generate Invoice Instructions

1. Sign In to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Select the same Billing Cycle you charged bills for
   

4. Click the Generate button in the Generate Invoices block
   

   Note:

   Progress for invoice generation is tracked in a pop-up at the bottom of the page with a confirmation message when generation is complete.

7. Send E-Bills

Generating invoices applies charges and updates user pages to reflect utility charges. You must send E-bills to notify your users of new charges on their accounts.

Send E-Bill Instructions

1. Sign In to Utility Billing

2. Click the Operations tab
   

3. Click the Generate button in the Send E-Bills block