Meter Readings lets you track electric (kWh) and water (gallon) consumption at each slip or storage unit. Enter the current reading, and the system calculates usage since the last entry and computes the charges based on your configured per-unit rate.
Overview stats
The page displays four stats cards:
| Stat | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Readings | Total number of meter readings recorded |
| Unbilled Readings | Readings that have not yet been invoiced |
| Unbilled Amount | Total dollar amount of unbilled readings |
| By Type | Split showing total electric usage (kWh) and water usage (gallons) |
Recording a reading
- Click Record Reading in the header.
- Select the slip from the dropdown (shows unit number and name).
- Choose the reading type:
- Electric (kWh)
- Water (gallons)
- Set the reading date (defaults to today).
- Enter the current reading -- The system will automatically calculate usage by subtracting the previous reading for this slip and type.
- Set the rate (optional) -- Enter a per-unit rate ($/kWh or $/gallon). If left blank, the slip's default rate is used.
- Add notes (optional) -- Any context about the reading.
- Click Record.
The system automatically:
- Looks up the previous reading for that slip and type
- Calculates usage (current - previous)
- Computes the amount due (usage x rate)
- Adds the reading to the unbilled queue
Readings are ordered chronologically. The system uses the most recent prior reading for the same slip and type to calculate usage. If there is no prior reading, usage will equal the current reading value.
Tabs
Unbilled tab
Shows only readings that have not been billed. This is the primary working view. From here you can select readings and bill them.
All Readings tab
Shows every reading regardless of billing status. Useful for reviewing history and verifying data.
Billing readings
There are two ways to bill unbilled readings:
Add to Reservation
This is the primary billing method. It adds utility charges directly to a slip reservation.
- Select one or more unbilled readings using the checkboxes.
- Click Add to Reservation.
- Select the target reservation from the dropdown. Only billable reservations (not completed, cancelled, or terminated) are shown. The dropdown displays reservation number, renter name, vessel name, and status.
- Review the reservation details panel showing:
- Current renter and vessel
- Current reservation total
- Current utility charges (Other Surcharges)
- New charges being added
- Updated total
- Click Add Charges to Reservation.
The selected readings are marked as billed and the charges are added to the reservation's "Other Surcharges" line item.
Mark as Billed (External)
Use this when you have invoiced the customer outside of RentalTide (e.g., through a separate accounting system).
- Select one or more unbilled readings.
- Click Mark as Billed (External).
- Enter the external invoice or receipt number.
- Click Mark as Billed.
The readings are marked as billed with a reference to the external invoice.
Readings table
The readings table shows the following columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Unit | Slip/storage unit identifier |
| Type | Electric or Water (with icon and color coding) |
| Date | Date the reading was taken |
| Previous | Previous meter reading value |
| Current | Current meter reading value |
| Usage | Calculated usage (current - previous) with unit label (kWh or gal) |
| Amount | Dollar amount due (usage x rate) |
| Status | Billed (green) or Pending (orange) |
| Actions | Delete button (only for unbilled readings) |
Bulk selection
On the Unbilled tab, you can:
- Check individual readings
- Use the header checkbox to select/deselect all unbilled readings
- The selected count and total amount are displayed above the table
Deleting readings
Only unbilled readings can be deleted. Click the delete icon in the Actions column. Billed readings are locked and cannot be removed.
Record readings on a consistent schedule -- the first of every month works well for most marinas. This creates predictable billing cycles for your tenants. When multiple readings need to be billed to the same reservation, select them all at once to batch the operation.
Amount shows $0 or dash -- The reading may not have a rate configured. Check the per-unit rate field when recording, or verify the slip's default rate in its settings.
Usage appears unexpectedly high -- Verify the previous reading is correct. An incorrect prior entry will inflate the calculated usage. Check for potential equipment faults or unauthorized usage at the slip.
Cannot delete a reading -- Only unbilled readings can be deleted. If you need to correct a billed reading, record a new adjustment reading.