Solar Panels making meter run backwards

beancounter1968

Hi

I changed energy supplier last September after getting a good deal with OVO energy. Three months later, in December, I took advantage of an offer for solar panels which were installed over Christmas. Despite being the depths of winter I noted on a couple of occasions the meter run backwards and was reducing the reading.

I contacted OVO and they said that the meter was an old one and couldn't handle solar generation properly so I was effectively banking free electricity. This had been caused by the panels and they would have to change this at my cost - I think they said £60. I said this wasn't fair and they said £30. I still said no and we agreed to differ. They went on to say that they couldn't force me to change but they would not be able to accept my readings if they were negative in the month.
Roll on the summer and now my meter has been recording a lower reading for the last 2 months. I am now getting negative bills which means I am building up a credit balance which worries me if I change supplier and they won't release my cash. No reason to change as I am otherwise happy. Just a bit miffed that they are wanting to charge me for being honest about the meter. Has anyone come across this before?

Thanks

theboylard

Ovo are turning out to be a bit of a sharp operator!

Morning beancounter!

This is quite a common issue and has been covered here a number of times.

Solar Panel Guide discussion thread has comments from last month see this thread with lots of different comments about it - read up the thread and down.

The crux is "fit for purpose", which your meter obviously isn't. Not strictloy Ovo's fault, but as your supplier the obligation that an installed meter is fit for purpose is on them.
You informed them as soon as you noticed, they have to change the meter now.

Interesting piece on Which: Meters running backwards, quoting Ofgem that it is the import providers responsibility to change the meter, once they have been notified, and the big six providers assure Which that it is not policy to charge the customer for the change.

Don't stress too much but you're on good ground when you have the facts!

Martyn1981

See section 4 of the FAQ's. You need to get the meter replaced or you may have to pay for the units you've consumed, but subsequently deleted.

The meter should be fit for purpose, including working with micro-generation, so should be replaced FOC, however, I'm sure I've heard of OVO charging before.

Mart.

Sterlingtimes

There is a possibility here of just requesting a smart meter from OVO which would be free of charge. Siemens is coming to fit my smart meters free of charge on behalf of Ovo on Monday.