New Electric meter, is it faulty?

rovgers

Hi Guys,

About 6 months ago Npower installed a new electric meter, when I received my latest bill, I had used 500 units more than the estimated bill and double the units compared to the same period last year. There as been no substantial increase in usage. Could there be anyway the meter is not set proper and is there anyway to check the meter?

I look forward to reading your replys

Tony

Andy_WSM

rovgers wrote: »

Hi Guys,

About 6 months ago Npower installed a new electric meter, when I received my latest bill, I had used 500 units more than the estimated bill and double the units compared to the same period last year. There as been no substantial increase in usage. Could there be anyway the meter is not set proper and is there anyway to check the meter?

I look forward to reading your replys

Tony

It is possible. However; it is equally possible that the old meter was under reading - maybe even more likely if the meter that was replaced was very old?

You could try getting hold of an "owl" monitor and comparing figures for a week - see if the owl roughly agrees with the electricity meter (the owl is not THAT accurate, but will give you an idea).

If you feel certain the meter is faulty you can request it is checked, but there is a £70 charge if they check it and find it to be OK.

rovgers

Thanks for that but what is an 'owl' monitor and where would I get one from?

Premier_2

rovgers wrote: »

Thanks for that but what is an 'owl' monitor and where would I get one from?

http://www.electricity-monitor.com/wireless-energy-monitors-owl-c-37_30.html

Also available from many supermarkets ( I know Asda & Tesco definitely stock them) and good diy stores.

You may also find them in currys or comet, etc.

Try your library if you just want to borrow one for a short period. Not sure if the lend these or just the plug in types that monitor a specific appliance consumption.

spiro

When suppliers do an accuracy check it is in 2 stages. The first stage is basically a 'kettle' check i.e. turn most appliances off and then turn something like a kettle that has a high kw rating on for a period of time and see if the meter advances by the roughly the correct amount. At this point they will say its ok or its not. If you disagree they can fit a check meter (2nd meter) for a period of a week or 2 and see if the 2 record the same amount allowing for allowed tolerances. If the meter is found to be accurate you will have to pay for the services sometimes up front with a refund after the test.

You could try the 'kettle' test yourself.

davidgmmafan

Everyone thinks thier meter is faulty, however you seldom hear of someone coming back to say and you know what I was right!

It being higher the estimate is of no consequence, the estimate could've been too low. Same for the usage last year. If that was estimated then its not comapring like for like. If that was based on accurate readings then something may be amiss eg the old meter, or you may simply be using more.

nPower

Hello rovgers

It does sound strange? Give us a quick call on 08451 201 453 so we can run a few tests, over the phone, on your meter as spiro explains.

Hope this helps

Best wishes
Sally

Terrylw1

Turn it all off and try the kettle test. However, there could always be someone tampering your supply so turning things off will show if any other usage is occurring.

Your Supplier can send an engineer to test to see if the meter is working inside the correct %. If found too fast, they will then work out what your bill should be and correct it, replace the meter, etc.

"Speeding" meters do occur. If your previous meter was too slow as another poster suggested, it's gone so there is no way to test that now. "Speeding" is more likely to occur on a new meter since it could be calibrated incorrectly.

If you are E7/E10, there could be other reasons though because it could be a timeswitch fault. Can't say without more detail on this.