Changing electricity meter - Questions

patwa_2

Hello.

After the recent price cuts for gas and electricity announced by British Gas, and the arrival on our doorstep of our quarterly bill, we decided to once again review our energy supplier choice.

We realised that we've probably been making the wrong decision for years based on our misunderstanding of the type of meter we have - we definitely have an Economy 7 meter, but have always selected 'No' when asked about this during price comparison searches for the best supplier. So we've probably been signing up for the cheapest supplier for non E7 customers, then been moved to an E7 tariff, thus possibly forfeiting any savings we might have made.

Anyway, mum has decided that she wants the meter changed. We don't use that much electricity at night, mainly just the two or three servers that run here, so we see no reason to benefit from E7 if we're paying more for energy during the day.

How would one go about changing one's meter? The meter, I'm told has been in the property since before mum moved in more than 20 years ago. We're with EDF Energy for both Gas and Electricity.

What is the procedure for this, the timescale for said procedure, and is there any way of getting money back (probably not but worth a try to ask) for our incorrect decision and not being advised to the contrary by energy suppliers, despite the fact the meter reader guy (and billing department) must have known the type of meter we were using.

How long from the time we start the meter change procedures until we can then switch supplier to one that fits the new meter?

Thanks.

H.

tripled

It is very unlikely they will change the meter, as most (if not all) companies will charge you the standard rate if you ask them to (they simply add the day and night usage together).

The chances of getting any money back from the suppliers will be somewhere in the region of zero, as it's not their fault you put the wrong information into the switching sites. However if you specifically asked to be billed at the standard tariff they may have done so, check your bills

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Economy 7 (2 rate meter) is really only an advantage if you are using electric central heating, you get the cheap rate overnight, so your mum must have had electric central heating at one time. You should've had the meter and tariff changed when you stopped using it, as you will've been paying dearer day units and standing charge.

You should get your meter changed (to single rate meter) quite quickly, as all companies now have a Standards of Service, and must do it in a certain time, or pay you compensation.

Have a look here or contact them at 0800 096 9000.

manic

tripled wrote:

It is very unlikely they will change the meter, as most (if not all) companies will charge you the standard rate if you ask them to (they simply add the day and night usage together).

The chances of getting any money back from the suppliers will be somewhere in the region of zero, as it's not their fault you put the wrong information into the switching sites. However if you specifically asked to be billed at the standard tariff they may have done so, check your bills

I'm sort of in the same boat as patwa.

I wanted to change from E7 & asked Scottish Power about doing so, they said they have to change the meter. I asked if they could use the existing meter as it is fairly modern & has a rate 1, rate 2 & total read out on it. They said no, they have to change the meter.

Our meter is the corner of a cupboard in our kitchen, the previous owners obviously weren't bothered how accessible the meter & fuse board are. I would think that it is quite difficult to replace the meter, unless they move it to another place, which I can't imagine they would do for free!

I am still on E7 & try to use washing machine, dishwasher & tumble drier at night as much as possible, but it is very inconvenient.

I would like to change to a standard tariff. Does anyone know an electricity company who would not change the meter but change the tariff?

tripled

I know BG will do it, they much prefer that to actually coming out which costs them money! I thought most suppliers offer the same, so the best bet is to ring around and see.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

any company would have to change the meter if you are changing from Economy 7 (2 rate meter), to Domestic tariff (single rate meter).

wills34

Any company will organise for the meter to be changed for you, they will contact the metering authority for your postcode to arrange for someone to come round and change it. Average waiting time for this procedure is 15 working days depending on area. Cost should be 0, although not 100% sure on that if you are moving the meter. I would also check the ratio of the split between day and night rates, as this affects your quotes with the comparison sites

tripled

frugalmacdugal wrote:

Hi,

any company would have to change the meter if you are changing from Economy 7 (2 rate meter), to Domestic tariff (single rate meter).

Err no they wouldn't. Where do you get that information from?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

oops, :eek: you may correct me if I am wrong, but it used to be the procedure with Scottish Power, mind you, that was before all the smart meters.

crossleydd42

You do not have to have the meter changed. All the electricity company has to do is to alter the meter setting so that it only records on the full rate all the time.

manic

It's not rocket science.

My meter has a LCD readout with a button you press to scroll through the different rates. One is the reading for rate 1, one is the reading for rate 2 & one is for reading T. Day, night & total. Why on earth would you need a different meter when the total reading is already in the meter? :mad:.