What does the meter reading mean?

OurKev

I wonder if anyone can help?

I work in a smallish office where our electricity usage is measured by an Elster A1100 meter.

The reading is being interpreted differently by our current supplier (Eon) than it was by our previous supplier (British Gas).

The meter has an LCD display and shows 6 digits (e.g. 012345), British Gas were interpreting that as 1234.5, Eon as 12345.

As you can imagine, that results in a far higher bill!

Our Finance Director wants to be sure that Eon have the right figure (a revised bill has been received covering over a year's usage).

Eon assure me that their interpretation is correct (also, I had a chat with the meter reader when he visited and that was his view).

However, Eon have so far been unable to show me anything to "prove" their interpretation.

I've searched the internet and it appears that this meter can come in either a 7 digit or 6 digit version, but I haven't been able to find any clear documentation around it.

Has anyone else had similar issues, or able to point me at the appropriate documentation?

Thanks

rogerblack

Simplest is to turn off all loads, then plug in a 2kW heater for an hour.

Alternatively, get something like: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OWL-CM160-USB-Wireless-Home-Office-Electricity-Monitor-Smart-Meter-/130584559946?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item1e6772414a - this clips over a meter lead, and reads out live the power usage.

(I do not have any experience with this seller).

Also - read the front of the meter. It may say 'flashes 100/kWh' or something.
Put on a 10kW load, and count 100 flashes, and see which number rolls round.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi OurKev

Is the office set up as a business or domestic account? The Elster A1100 can be used for both.

Best thing is to take a photograph of the meter showing the dial and send this to the relevant Metering Exception team for either business or domestic.

Our metering guys will be able to investigate and advise.

Hope this is useful OurKev. Let me know if I can help further as will be happy to do so.

Malc

OurKev

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc wrote: »

Hi OurKev

Is the office set up as a business or domestic account? The Elster A1100 can be used for both.

Best thing is to take a photograph of the meter showing the dial and send this to the relevant Metering Exception team for either business or domestic.

Our metering guys will be able to investigate and advise.

Hope this is useful OurKev. Let me know if I can help further as will be happy to do so.

Malc

Thanks Malc,

It is a business account.

We have done this already and Eon are confident that their interpretation is the right one.

However, so far they have not been able to produce anything (e.g. manual, "how to read the meter" instructions) that we can use to assure ourselves before agreeing the payment. Finance are saying "why should we believe Eon rather than British Gas".

I've managed to find a manual on the internet, but that shows a 7-digit display (different to our 6-digit one).

I've just tried ringing the manufacturers, but they have Friday afternoon off.

Hopefully, Eon will find something for me.

Cheers

Kev

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi Kev

Might be an idea to ask us to come out and check the meter details.

As you've sent a in a photograph already, this may be the best way of providing the assurance you're looking for.

Hope this helps.

Malc

OurKev

utility_csa wrote: »

Arent A1100's RCAMR ? why is a site visit needed.

And the A1100s im sure show your register multiplier next to your Total KWH reading.

http://www.elstermetering.com/en/963.html

Yes thats the one (LCD), but just shows 6 digits (illustrations tend to show 999999.9).

I can't see any multiplier though.

Thanks for your help,

Kev

utility_csa

Did you manage to sort this one?

OurKev

utility_csa wrote: »

Did you manage to sort this one?

Sort of.... I accept that the way Eon are interpreting the reading is correct.

I have monitored use and it makes sense.

Strangely, there doesn't seem to be any documentation around that I can show to our Finance people.

Thanks to all who helped.

cheers

Kev

spiro

If you look at the link below is shows photos of both the LCD and mechanical display versions. Both appear to have 7 digits of which the last one is 1/10ths.

OurKev

spiro wrote: »

If you look at the link below is shows photos of both the LCD and mechanical display versions. Both appear to have 7 digits of which the last one is 1/10ths.

Hello Spiro... looks like the linked has dropped off somewhere.

Eon tell me that our meter has been configured for 6 digit display, with no decimal.

Cheers

Kev