Eon wrong address on new account? Are bills meter-specific?

tbs152

Hi everyone

I recently moved into a 2 bed flat of my own. It's rented and electricity is supplied by Eon. After an hour on the phone to them they set up my account and gave me my account number. Apparently my address had been registered twice before (it's in a block of 12 flats) and there was confusion.

Anyway, I've now signed up to the online bill management thing they have and my address is totally different! The postcode is right but the first line is completely wrong. And the billing address is miles away from my flat!

The meter serial number is correct on the account and matches the one at my flat (as do the readings), so my question is, I'm not going to be paying for this other property's electricity am I? Surely the bill is based on my meter only, regardless of address details?

I have emailed Eon and am awaiting a reply, but thought I'd ask here in the meantime.

Thanks!

dogshome

Hi tbs152 - Hmmm. Errors with billing addresses are a worry, and meters in flats moreso

You have done the right thing by comparing your meter number with the one on the bill - But is your meter located within your flat, or is it in a room that contains all the meters for the building?
If it's in a service room, it's important to check that it is the one supplying your flat - This is best done by getting a friend over. Turn off every thing in the flat, then with contact by mobile phone, have your mate turn the kettle on and off several times whilst you watch the meter. The meter should be absolutely stationary till the kettle is switched on - If the meters turning with everything off in your flat, and does not register the power surge of the kettle, get onto your supplier immediately

If the test above is OK, you still need to WRITE to your supplier informing them they have the address wrong

Premier_2

Just looked at a E.On electricity bill, and it usefully includes a meter number (as well as the usual MPAN), so it's easy to check they have details of the correct meter.

Addresses are typically those as supplied by Royal Mail, based on the postcode.
But they can input a completely different billing address compared to the supply address (usually done only at the account holder's request)

You were right to bring any discrepencies to the attention of the supplier.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi tbs152

Bills are based on the meter. We will charge for electricity using readings taken from the meter at your property.

As the Meter Serial Number on the account is the same as that at your property and we are billing to readings taken from this meter, then, you will only be paying for energy you have used.

When you set up your online account, you will have inputted the account number we gave you and your Post Code.

The address is taken from the details on the account on our system. I suspect this is where the error lies. We probably have the Post Code right but the address details wrong and this is what is showing when you log into your online account.

This can be quickly put right.

You are right to contact us. It is important this is corrected otherwise any mailings/correspondence etc will not reach you.

I'm sorry it has taken such a long time to set up your account correctly but hope this helps. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc

tbs152

Thanks Malc, I'm very impressed to receive a response from a company rep. I hope my issue will be dealt with in a few days and my details amended.

Whilst I have your attention, could I ask if it's important to take monthly meter readings? The site says that this keeps my bill accurate, so what happens if I do not supply readings?

Thanks

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi again tbs152

No problem, glad to help.

As you have only recently moved into your property, I would certainly recommend taking monthly readings for the time being at least. This will help you form a good picture of your ongoing usage.

We will continue to read your meter even though you have registered with our website and can let us have readings this way. We need to make sure your meter is ok and safe.

Where we don't have a reading, either from you or a meter reader, we will estimate your bill. Therefore, to make sure your account remains accurate, it is always best to let us have meter readings.

Hope this answers your question. Give me a shout if I can help further.

Malc