Check your meter!

giant08

Hi all - this is just for info....
We have had solar panels on our roof installed by A Shade Greener for just over 12 months. We have changed our electricity usage habits and have tried to use appliances etc as the electricity is generated. Last week I felt I had to contact ASG as I had received yet another bill from British Gas increasing my monthly direct debit payment (this has increased from £50 per month last January to £75 per month as of today). I heard nothing from them until yesterday when I received an email. Apparently we have an 'anti-tamper' electricity meter installed and this registers exported electricity as an attempted fraud by the homeowner and therefore registers the reverse electrcity as if it is being pulled from the grid and charges the homeowner for it! Our neighbour who also had panels installed had their meter changed at the point of installation by ASG and have been enjoying 30-40% savings. I have had to contact BG to come and change the meter and then ASG will work out how much electricity has been exported and what we will be entitled to in reimbursement.

Martyn1981

There is a little bit of info on this here (post#1 end of section 4):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3872445

there is a chance that the meter can be 'interrogated' for more info. All the best.

Mart.

giant08

Thank you Mart - certainly useful reading. I'm just a bit miffed at the moment to be honest but I'll give ASG the benefit of the doubt and see how they sort it out.

Ashadegreener_representative

giant08 wrote: »

Thank you Mart - certainly useful reading. I'm just a bit miffed at the moment to be honest but I'll give ASG the benefit of the doubt and see how they sort it out.

Hello,

There are a couple of meters that we have come across that are not compatible with solar PV in one way or another, fortunately most are picked up by our electrician during the installation and the owner alerted before it causes an problems.

Some meters, as in the case of yours, have an issue in reading the exported electricity as used, charging the customer in the process. While this is not desirable it is a problem that will be quickly resolved by your energy provider replacing your meter with one that is compatible with solar PV.

When the meter has been changed ASG can calculate what you have been charged for and this will entitle you to a refund from your provider.

It is a bit o a hassle but you will not be down any money once the issue has been resolved.