help with my electricity readings

Dangermouse009

I moved into a brand new house 10 years ago with a brand new meter, showing single figures from the builder. I moved supplier in Dec 2012 with a start reading of 7032, NOTE that's over a 10 year period, my recent reading was 16782, I am concerned that if my usage was only to 7032 in 10 years, how can my usage have more than doubled in 9 months (sept reading) Can anyone please advise before I start asking for tests etc which I cannot afford, cheers folks

Mr_K

Possibilties:-
1. Meter changed sometime
2. Its gone right back to the beginning having got up to 99999 (not sure if they do that but guess they must)
3. A forgotten immersion heater and an enormous bill.

Dangermouse009

thanks Mr K, as you can probably tell Im new to this, but it's a no to 2 of your possibilities I'm not sure if it's gone round the clock 99999 etc, but have not had a new meter, same ref no and I don't have an immersion heater, any other suggestions?? It's just the fact that it's showing me as having used 9000 or so units (whatever they r called) in a 9 month period thats worrying

Nada666

What do you use electricity for? Nothing other than a lightbulb or two and a fridge if you have managed to only use 703 kWh per year. Is 703 kWh a viable sum for your household?

1,600 per year is far more realistic (although I can't picture how a misreading would give you your three benchmark figures.)

Dangermouse009

thanks Nada666, i get a better idea of what you're saying now. I need to go away and have a look into this, perhaps if I can find old bills it may show my consumption?? Cheers and thanks

matelodave

Perhaps you should read it regularly for the next few weeks to see if anything strange is happening. When you say the latest reading is 16782 is that an actual ready or an estimate - have you checked it your self.

Mind you I'm finding it hard to believe that you only used less than 2kw every day for 10 years (7032/10 = 703.2 per year/365 = 1.9kw a day) Who read the meter last year?. Even with a reading of 16782 after 11 years is only just over 4 kw a day - sounds like a misread last year.

What have the intermediate readings been and did they line up with the bills or haven't you ever checked and you've just caught up

macman

Dangermouse009 wrote: »

thanks Nada666, i get a better idea of what you're saying now. I need to go away and have a look into this, perhaps if I can find old bills it may show my consumption?? Cheers and thanks

Every single bill you have ever received (about 40 over a 10 year period) will show not only your kWh consumption,but your meter readings at start and close of the billing period-though some of these may be estimated readings if you have not been submitting your own regular reads, which you should do a least quarterly.
Each reading shows clearly if it's actual, customer, or estimated.
You only pay for a meter change if the meter is subsequently found to be within tolerance.

molerat

A reading of 9750 units over the 9 month period is consistent with the meter going round the clock over 10 years. How do you heat the property ?