AUGUSTA (AP) – Northern Utilities natural gas company has been ordered to install new meter-reading technology and pay customers $235,000 in rebates.

According to the Maine Public Utilities Commission, the company estimated the gas usage of too many customers between 2004 and 2007, resulting in inaccurate bills that had to later be reconciled.

Northern Utilities is installing new systems that allow for remote readings of usage, instead of using estimates.

The company will provide rebates on bills that amount to about $9 per customer.

AP-ES-06-10-08 0614EDT