Methods and systems for usage based billing are described. In one aspect, a method for operating a computer to facilitate the transmission, receipt and validation of meter data is described. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of transmitting meter data related to equipment usage, receiving the meter data and applying validation rules to the meter data, and generating an error report identifying meter data that violates at least one of the validation rules. The error report is exchanged with the dealer, for example via the Internet, to ensure accurate and correct data is used in generated invoices. The data correction is an iterative electronic process to facilitate timely and accurate invoicing. In another aspect, a method for operating a computer to facilitate the issuance of invoices and reconciling open payables records is described. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of generating invoices related to equipment usage, applying received payment to open invoices, and creating a payables data file.