Prepayment Meter Swapout Issues

smj43

I have lived in my flat for just over a year now. It had a prepayment meter when I moved in but a couple of months ago I got sick of it after my power kept going out because I forgot to put money on the key. I called EDF who booked me an engineer to swap it for a credit meter. This is where the problems all started.

When the electrician arrived, he found my property had 2 meters. He said the additional one was for the downstairs flat (I live in a house split into 2 flats) and that it isn't affecting me. I later found out that my downstairs neighbour has got another meter in his flat. Nobody from EDF has been able to tell me why 2 flats have 3 meters.

Next, I've been trying to call them for a month to arrange setting up a DD to pay them, but they keep telling me they have no record of the new meter. I also gave them the reading (3500kwh) and they have said that is consistent with the average use for a year. I've only had the meter for a month and it started on 0! It literally went up 10 units while I was on the phone to them.

I have no idea what is going on and neither do EDF. I just don't want to be slapped with a massive bill for power I haven't used. Does anybody have any advise?

lonestar1

Its possible its a checking meter we had one put in a few years back when we suspected the meter was faulty we switched suppliers later and our current supplier has no record of the check meter either

If you worried about it I'd be tempted cut the power in the flat by tripping the consumer unit when your neighbour is in and checking your meter doesnt go up

Gromitt

I've seen this before when a property has been split into 2 or more:

1 meter is the original, and meters the usage of the entire house. For whatever reason, never removed.
The 2nd meter is for the upstairs flat
The 3rd meter is for the downstairs flat (typically located downstairs, to prevent confusion)

When you are reading your meter, you need to ensure you read the correct serial number.

molerat

Was the meter reading 3500.0 or 350.0 ?

chanz4

Are you 100% the l/lord wired the loops up seperate for all flats

smj43

That makes sense Gromitt since the other meter is really old, it was probably the original.

As for whether or not I'm giving the right reading or if its wired correctly. Previously, my usage with the prepayment meter cost about £40 a month. The new meter now reads 3600kwh. It has taken 1 month to get to that from 0 (brand new meter). I'm sure it's running too fast? There is no way I've used all that!

undaunted

Gromitt wrote: »

I've seen this before when a property has been split into 2 or more:

1 meter is the original, and meters the usage of the entire house. For whatever reason, never removed.
The 2nd meter is for the upstairs flat
The 3rd meter is for the downstairs flat (typically located downstairs, to prevent confusion)

When you are reading your meter, you need to ensure you read the correct serial number.

smj43 wrote: »

That makes sense Gromitt since the other meter is really old, it was probably the original.

As for whether or not I'm giving the right reading or if its wired correctly. Previously, my usage with the prepayment meter cost about £40 a month. The new meter now reads 3600kwh. It has taken 1 month to get to that from 0 (brand new meter). I'm sure it's running too fast? There is no way I've used all that!

Just a thought but is it possible that this new meter is now measuring both properties then?

Is that old meter also still moving & if so is it at a similar rate to the new one?

jessc_2001

You need to get the MPAN for your meter (Meter Point Administration Number) - without knowing your area I can't give you their phone number as they vary from area to area. Once you have that - contact EDF and ensure that your account has the correct MPAN associated with it. Your account may not yet have been updated to reflect the new meter yet because the 'flows' (these are the reports that 'flow' between the Suppliers i.e. EDF and the companies that perform Meter Exchanges etc) can take some time to come through so if the exchange was only recently performed they may not have come through yet. Ask EDF to refer your account to the Meter Exchanges department to get this followed up.

Regarding your consumption, allowing for Christmas etc, you will need to monitor your usage i.e. take a reading, wait 24 hours making a note of what you've used i.e. washing machine etc, and then take another reading. If it seems overly high - again contact EDF - they will be able to either get the meter checked or advise you on your consumption.

chris1973

I got sick of it after my power kept going out because I forgot to put money on the key

I would imagine that it is the correct meter for the flat, otherwise the OP would never need to top up the key as they would not lose power when it ran out of credit :rotfl: