To replace or not to replace an old meter?

ey143

I've moved into a property which has an old electric meter. The tag next to it suggest it was installed in 1986. By the energy company's own admission, it should have been replaced ages ago (every 20 years I think) but they seem to have a wrong date on their system.

Anyway, I've heard funny stories in the past by electricians who told me having an old meter is like gold dust because they tend to turn more slowly and sometimes even cobwebs from spiders etc can slow the meters down.

How much of that is true - am I better off with this old meter rather than having asked to have it changed to a modern digital single rate meter?

Is the opposite also true, can the meter be so old that it is over charging me rather than under or correctly charging me? I have no comparison to make against previous month's as I've just taken ownership of the house.

Thx.

cyclonebri1

ey143 wrote: »

I've moved into a property which has an old electric meter. The tag next to it suggest it was installed in 1986. By the energy company's own admission, it should have been replaced ages ago (every 20 years I think) but they seem to have a wrong date on their system.

Anyway, I've heard funny stories in the past by electricians who told me having an old meter is like gold dust because they tend to turn more slowly and sometimes even cobwebs from spiders etc can slow the meters down.

How much of that is true - am I better off with this old meter rather than having asked to have it changed to a modern digital single rate meter?

Is the opposite also true, can the meter be so old that it is over charging me rather than under or correctly charging me? I have no comparison to make against previous month's as I've just taken ownership of the house.

Thx.

Considering today's issues, if you are "off the map", I'd keep my head down, ;):D:D:rotfl::rotfl:

ey143

I dont understand your reply. What do you mean off the map. I'm still paying for electricity usage. The question is whether a very old meter is better than a new one.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

is it an old dial meter,

,

if so, it's the same as any mechanical apparatus, bits wear inside, your washing machine wont last 27 years, maybe it is to your advantage, maybe not, and if it is running slow you won't save much.

ey143

Is that a qualified answer or an opinion?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Even if the meter is running slow, (cobwebs?) you're not going to save hundreds a year, and if it is running fast, again it won't cost you hundreds.

Just get it changed, it's outdated, anyway, now that you have questioned it with your supplier, they will instigate a change.

phill99

The decision to change it or not is not yours. The electricity supplier will change it regardless and can force entry into your home to do so.

jellie

My electric meter was changed after about 19 years. I wasn't given a choice - just told it was going to be changed.

cyclonebri1

ey143 wrote: »

I dont understand your reply. What do you mean off the map. I'm still paying for electricity usage. The question is whether a very old meter is better than a new one.

I mean if you suspect they are under charging I'd keep my head down, but as said it would be minimal either way.

I guess the previous owner never changed supplier or tariff, I've changed 3 times in the last 10 years and twice they swapped the meter at the point of change, but I don't know if that's typical.

I think now you've alerted them in will be in the pipeline to be changed, so as said earlier, you won't have a say in the matter.

And lastly you will have much better odds in ensuring you keep with the best supplier/tariff than you will be worrying about the meter, ;)

deanos

i have heard little insects use them as treadmills which makes them spin faster increasing your bill

Stooby2

We recently swapped supplier and the new one, Npower, changed our ancient dial type meter shortly afterwards. I'm waiting to see if it makes any difference to my bills.