Bill import format overview

Last updated October 16, 2026

The bill import format helps you import a bill file that always has the same format. Map your columns, and the same mapping (bill import format) is applied each time you upload your file.

A good practice is to test your import using a small number of bill records and a new batch each time. This lets you easily delete the test batch and bills.

It's not recommended to use Excel number formatting. For example, don't use Currency or Accounting formatting.

Excel Format Cells dialog with General marked yes, and Number, Currency, Accounting, Date, Time, and the other formats marked no.

Row limit for importing bills

To ensure reliable and smooth processing, limit the bill import file to 5,000 rows or fewer.

Why this matters:

  • Faster processing
  • Fewer errors
  • Stable system performance

Steps to create a bill import format

Before you create the bill import format, review your bill file. What columns do you want to import?

  1. In the Bills module, go to Bill Imports and then click the button Import Bills.
    Bill Imports list with an arrow pointing to the Import Bills button.
  2. Click Open bill import formats.
    Import Bills dialog with the Open bill import formats link highlighted.
  3. Click the plus icon to Add a bill import format.
    Bill Import Formats list with an arrow pointing to the plus icon that adds a bill import format.
  4. Enter a descriptive name so you'll know when to use this format.
  5. Choose the date format used in the bill import file.
  6. Map the required header information and add additional header information. Available headers are:
    • Commodity
    • Meter code
    • Serial number
    • Vendor code
    • Rate schedule
    • Amount due
    • Due date
    • Billing period
    • Accounting period
    • Statement date
    • Invoice number
    • Control code
    • Bill note
    • ACE
    • VPR
  7. Map the bill line types from your file.
  8. Click Save.
    Add New Bill Import Format dialog with numbered callouts for the name, date format, bill header information, bill line types, and Save.
  9. TEST importing your file. REMEMBER to open a new batch so you can delete the batch of bills if you have errors.
You can import up to 104 columns (column CZ). To avoid scrolling through a long list to choose a column, click in the name box and type the letter of the column.

Import file column drop-down filtered by the letter b, with Column B highlighted.

Steps to import bills

  1. In the Bills module, go to Bill Imports.
  2. Select Import Bills in upper right corner.
  3. Choose the file you want to upload.
  4. Select the format you want to use from the list.
  5. It's recommended to use a new batch for each bill import.
  6. Add a comment.
  7. Click Import.
  8. Review the results in the log.
  9. Download and fix any errors.
  10. Upload your corrected errors (kickouts) to finish creating all your bills.
  11. Review any bill flags.

Edit or delete a format

Edit a bill import format when your file layout changes or to add more granularity to your imported bills.

When a bill format is no longer used, you can delete it to avoid confusion.