update on horrendous electricity bill

jentiggy

we have had a shadow meter running for 3 1/2 weeks now - and the difference its recording is incredible.
Our normal meter in the 3 weeks has recorded an increase of 1037 units of electricity used - on average 45 units a day.
The shadow meter has recorded an increase of 406 units used - on average 17.5 units a day used.
Siemens are coming next week to remove the shadow meter and then the fun will start - how is my refund worked out - and when do we get it refunded back to. The electricity meter was moved from inside to outside 2 years ago - can we claim back to then.
I don't want to use the shadow meter as our average usage as its now winter and we have been using extra electricity - ie lights, and tumble drying etc.

Premier_2

Original thread here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1389127

As you already know, BG will estimate your actual usage but will take account of seasonal changes.

KimYeovil

Why would the actual usage be estimated? Are most meter faults not usually just a linear calibration error - ie, just take the 61% off their historical readings? Or are the mechanical faults more complicated?

Joyful

If I remember correctly they will go back to when the possible fault was first reported. If they are advised the meter was running say 50% fast they will deduct this percentage from the bills. Looks like it was well worthwhile you getting a check meter installed. Of course when the meter is proved faulty you do not get charged for the check meter.

If I can give you advice please write down all these figures including the serial numbers from both meters today and on the day the check meter is removed. It's unbelievable how many times the results do not get to the suppliers and the meter operators lose the information.

Fire_Fox

I would be inclined to sit down with all of your last two years of bills, write down all of the actual (A) or customer (C) readings and the dates and work out what the meter thinks you used during each period. If it sounds wrong based upon your highest accurate usage (i.e. this winter 17.5 units per day) go back beyond the meter change. A boring and time-consuming task, but one that should pay dividends as they will not be able to blind you with apparently complicated calculations when making an offer. Agree a reasonable quarterly usage pattern and let their computer work out the refund based upon previous prices per KWH.