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Electricity charges - I think we're being ripped off...

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  • As it is best to leave an appliance on for a full hour for the purposes of this test - 1kw used for for 1 hour = 1 unit, I would not advise using an immersion heater as there are too many variables (I will go into more detail to avoid confusing other posters lol!) such as:
    kw rating of immersion heater - although 3kw is the standard don't assume yours is
    the thermostat setting
    age/efficiency of immersion heater
    whether it is a single or dual element
    size of water tank
    how well the tank is insulated
    ambient temperature of the water

    Try your 2kw heater again for an hour. If the meter is still registering over 5 units per hour (5kw) when it should only be registering 2 units (2kw) this would be a definite indicator that the meter is faulty. The heater couldn't be faulty to this degree as a 13amp plug would blow if 5kw was passed through it. (volts x amps = watts. 240v x 13a = 3120w).

    The next stage would be to contact your supplier and request a meter test. The test would be carried out by the meter operator not the supplier. This would either be a standard load test (which is effectively what you have already done) or to have a check meter installed which would run alongside your meter.

    There is a charge for a meter test and this varies betwen suppliers and meter operators. If the meter is registering outside the industry parameters (2.5% fast, 3.5% slow) you would get the test charge refunded, the meter exchanged and your account backbilled accordingly.
  • espresso
    espresso Posts: 16,448 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    As it is best to leave an appliance on for a full hour for the purposes of this test - 1kw used for for 1 hour = 1 unit, I would not advise using an immersion heater as there are too many variables (I will go into more detail to avoid confusing other posters lol!) such as:
    kw rating of immersion heater - although 3kw is the standard don't assume yours is
    the thermostat setting
    age/efficiency of immersion heater
    whether it is a single or dual element
    size of water tank
    how well the tank is insulated
    ambient temperature of the water

    Rubbish, it is not necessary to do the test for one hour! The OP has stated that they are not currently using the immersion heater, therefore the water tank will be cold and the thermostat will not operate. It is easy to establish the wattage of the element simply by looking at it and if a 3kW heater is used for 20 minutes, it should record 1kWh irrespective of any of the points that you have mentioned above, providing that nothing else in the property is on.

    :rolleyes:
    :doh: Blue text on this forum usually signifies hyperlinks, so click on them!..:wall:
  • My advice is based on 24 years experience working for a supplier and 5 years working for energywatch.
  • espresso
    espresso Posts: 16,448 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My advice is based on 24 years experience working for a supplier and 5 years working for energywatch.

    So, that does not mean that it is technically correct!
    :doh: Blue text on this forum usually signifies hyperlinks, so click on them!..:wall:
  • I am only providing advice which ultimately the OP can follow or ignore. Your opinion is irrelevant.
  • Easy guys, no need to argue. Both of you are being very helpful and it's certainly much appreciated. I am going to try the immersion heater test in about ten minutes time, and I am also going to try the heater test again tomorrow for a full hour. That's both of your tests, so everyone can be happy :)
  • You're right prolific8. Sorry espresso, being made redundant when energywatch closed has left me somewhat short tempered.
  • Just been home to do the immersion heater test. Checked the rating and it's rated at 3kw @ 240v, and 2.76kw @ 230v (230v is the standard now, is it not?)

    I ran the heater independently of everything else (all other fuses except the immersion heater turned OFF). Consumption in that half an hour period was 4.1KWh.

    Game set and match?
  • KimYeovil
    KimYeovil Posts: 6,156 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you want an extra check before you risk a call out fee you could always take your metre and heater to a friend and check your metre corresponds with their meter and your meter?
  • I called Southern Electric and they're sending Siemens to check my meter next Friday. They also said the cost for the first test was paid for by them, which is a pleasant surprise but contrary to the information I was given when I phoned them last time.

    Either way, I guess we will see next Friday if it's the meter that's the problem.
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