AUGUSTA – 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 .

Northern Utilities, which serves several southern Maine towns, is installing new systems that allow for remote and accurate readings of customer gas usage once a month, instead of relying on estimates.

Northern Utilities will provide rebates that amount to about $9 per customer.