Energy Company Reading the Wrong Meter

Adamc

My parents have recently had a new energy efficient boiler installed to no economic benefit. My dad was concerned that they were being over-charged for gas so he asked for someone from the energy company to read the meter. They said the bills were correct.

Still not happy with this conclusion, my parents have been switching the boiler off all day after using it to shower in the morning. (It was so cold in their house that I haven't been able to take my coat or shoes off when visiting). Another huge bill came through the other day and it turns out that the energy company had been reading the wrong meter and that they were being over-charged after all.

I think the energy company are at fault but I'm sure that my parents could also have done more to sort it out, if only they had known what to do.

Is there anyway they can be reimbursed?

Premier_2

Yes, of course.

Contact the supplier to explain how they are reading the wrong meter. It's a surprisingly common mistake.

They will then amend the bills either based on the correct data (if they can match the correct meters up) or based on estimated usage.

macman

When they get the next bill, make sure they check the meter number matches up with what is on the actual meter.

Adamc

Great news. Thanks for the advice people!

factoryworker

Adamc wrote: »

Great news. Thanks for the advice people!

to reinforce what others have said, first port of call is the Meter Serial Number; secondly (not withstanding higher daily use at this time of year) start reading the meter at same time of day over weekly periods i.e the 12 th/19th/26th etc. (this is so you/energy company can calculate backwards what was used in last 12 mths)you do not state how long you believe this problem is going on but if over a year, and you have been billed on wrong meter, the energy company cannot claim from you for anything over a year old on the correct meter (as they have not produced a bill for the correct meter in that time); (see Energy Retail Assoc codes of practice); interestingly i dont believe ALL gas charges billed/or paid on the wrong meter over however long they have stated wrong meter are enforceable either so you should request a FULL refund of this. Wrong meters quoted are rarer than stated but commonly happen where a house is converted into flats, where meters are located together in a apartment block or where a meter has been changed (i.e. gas emergency); you should check for luggage labels on meter which will have exchange date previus readings etc; note all this as it will help support correction/refund