Electric meter gone bananas!

sallysaver

Hi,
A little while ago we came off Staywarm due to the excessive price increase (approx 40%) and after checking the comparison sites opted for Scottish Power. We have been keeping a daily log of energy used (basically to compare the real rip off with Staywarm!). It is a digital meter and whilst the reading has varied, it has averaged out at 86 per week - 12 or so a day, give or take. After checking the meter this morning, it has leaped 115 (i.e. 16185 - 16300) It was a normal usage day apart from the fact that I did 2 loads of washing instead of 1 and its a new washing machine which is definitely more energy efficient than the old one. Who or where do I ring to speak with someone who can help me check this anomaly out please? Regards - sally

newlife_starts_now

i would keep an eye on your meter and see whether it does it again.

you can get your meter checked by your supplier, but if its found that their is no fault you will end up paying for the test.

Hope that helps.

lou.

sallysaver

Hi,
Thank you very much for your reply which is absolutely correct. When I didn't get any answers I phoned Scottish Power, who I have to say were very helpful indeed. I can have the meter checked at a cost of £85!!!!!! with payment upfront. If there proves to be a fault with the meter then money refunded. The CS suggested taking the readings for another 7 days which is no big deal and they have been 'normal'. But this has got me thinking. Staywarm said I was 'an above average user'. I can honestly say I never,ever abused their system. I have all the energy saving devices, but if the meter has been faulty for some time, maybe we have found the culprit. I'm keeping a close eye on the readings. Regards - sally

krisskross

My new washing machine is cold fill only instead of taking hot water as well. This means my electric usage is higher than when I used a machine taking water heated by cheaper gas. How new is the new machine?

sallysaver

Hi,
Washing machine will be 3 weeks old on Tuesday 13th February. It is cold fill only, but if you look on www. washerhelp.co.uk (an amazingly knowledgable man) he says, in his opinion there is little difference between the 2 (Cold only and H&C). However, since Wednesday I have not used the washing machine but intend to watch over it very closely the next time. The book says on a 40degree wash, consumption should be 1.18kwh, so I intend to not use anything other than the fridge and the central heating pump, until the 1hr8minutes washing cycle is completed. Hopefully this should give me an indication of whether or not it is the washer. I don't think it is, as electricity consumption was average (10-15 units per day) until the meter 'jumped' this hundred units, but we will see. Still taking the readings daily as advised by Scottish Power. Regards - sally

anniecave

are there any other appliances that could be varying? Is there any heating in these units for example?