Inaccurate Electricity meters?

Brigantes

I have been increasing concerned about the cost of electricity in my home. So much so that we are now in the process of changing electricity suppliers from NPower to Scottish power after using the switching process on this site.

However as I was researching my electricity costs with Npower, and upon examination of my bills back to 2000, I noticed something unusual (I've never checked this out before).

In the period June 2000 to June 2004 my electricity consumption was relatively uniform and works out at approx 25 kwh per day. (4 bed house, half way up a hill in Northumberland, no gas, oil fired CH, -3 children)

However in the period June 2004 to October 2006 my electricity consumption was also relatively uniform and works out at approx 35 kwh per day.

So comparing two different periods with the same usage profile my electricity consumption has jumped by approx 38% when comparing the kwh consumption (not costs). Our family profile has not changed apart from the fact we all a bit older- there are still five inhabitants, there have been no changes to the house, we have the same appliances, although one or two may have been replaced, and our usage profile is essentially the same.
However significantly on 25th June 2004 a new meter was installed! Is it possible that the meter that was installed is faulty?

Does anyone have experience of this? Is it possible that a meter can be faulty and be overstating electrical consumption? If so can this be retrospectively be challenged?

Any guidance/related expereinces would be appreciated.

Brian

rosscobley

Are the reads Est or Act.

becky004

I have always had token meters, a bit more expensive, but helped me budget.
In 2003 I downsized from a 4 bed detached to a 2 bed semi. I was putting £10 per week into the meter at the 4 bed house (worked part-time, was home 4 days a week). In the 2 bed house I worked full time (home 1 or 2 days per week, little use of tumble dryer as I had a washing line). However I was putting between £35-£50 a week into the meter!!.
I contacted the supplier who came out and checked my meter and said it was working fine!!
April this year I moved to a 3 bed detached I put £20 a week in meter of which £5 a week is arrears, I am home full time at the moment and the tumble dryer is on at least twice a day!
I think the companies charge what they like, as my current consumption is more than its ever been. Was well conned in the last house. I think I was paying for the street's electric!

coolio_2

I had a meter with peak and off peak and it was coming on ans off at the wrong times and i incurred huge bills. I made a log of when it was on and off, and the readings at different times of the day, usually at 7am and 10pm. Found out the timer was being affacted by metal in my building and I got a refund.