Electricity Meter Fault

Superbiatch

I live in a mortgaged apartment in a block which is managed by a company. They are responsible for communal areas etc but also 'bought in' our electricity from a major supplier 4 years ago and sell it to us at no profit (we have no choice in suppliers). The positive is it hasn't gone up in all that time, the negative is i'm all electric with panel heaters and a huge water tank

Anyway, around xmas there was a mains burst in the riser where my meter is located and I think it has been damaged as my last bill has the same start and end reading, and amounts to £1.50 for 27 days. I queried this and was told the readings are correct - they thought I'd moved in with my bf, i then asked them to check the meter which is happening this week.

Where do i stand about the electricity I have used? They can't use last years' bill to estimate as i have been having some financial problems and staying with my boyfriend for quite a chunk of the month, but I would assume my bill should be about £20 as my heaters have been coming on each weekday for an hour, as has the water tank.

I'm concerned if its not dealt with swiftly i'll end up with a huge bill and having just started a DMP its imperative my bills don't change too much.

Thanks for any advice.

macman

They'll estimate your bill based on previous usage, as you say best to get it sorted ASAP so the arrears don't build up.
If it's not moved a single unit in one month then clearly it is faulty. But you can test it yourself by doing a 'kettle' test (switch everything else off, then put the kettle on and you should see the meter start to spin fast-if it is working).

Superbiatch

macman wrote: »

They'll estimate your bill based on previous usage, as you say best to get it sorted ASAP so the arrears don't build up.
If it's not moved a single unit in one month then clearly it is faulty. But you can test it yourself by doing a 'kettle' test (switch everything else off, then put the kettle on and you should see the meter start to spin fast-if it is working).

I think thats what they're planning to do - get me to put something on with high usage and see if its working. Unfortunately its in a locked cupboard, which is fortunate as it means I'm not to blame

I suppose I'll just have to fight them if they estimate a higher usage than I feel I've used.

macman

It's your meter, not the management company's, so you are obliged to be granted reasonable access to it.

Superbiatch

They will give me access if I arrange it in advance, its just a pain as I'm out at 8am and not back til gone 6, by which time they've all gone home.

Still, it needs sorting so I suppose I'll have to forfeit the time and sort this out. Thanks for your help

spiro

Superbiatch wrote: »

but also 'bought in' our electricity from a major supplier 4 years ago and sell it to us at no profit (we have no choice in suppliers)

As you own the property and have you own meter you are legally allowed to choose whatever supplier you like. Even in a rented house you can change suppliers.

Superbiatch

A contract which was signed when i bought the property overrides this, but to be honest I think I'd be paying much more than I currently am so i'm happy not to rock the boat just yet

Premier_2

spiro wrote: »

As you own the property and have you own meter you are legally allowed to choose whatever supplier you like. Even in a rented house you can change suppliers.

That may not be the case. I have seen some developments of apartments just as the OP says where the energy is bought from one specific supplier. Although not common, they do unfortunately exist.