Electric meter running backwards?

ChrisJJ

Hi All,

Bit confused about mum's electric meter reading. She received an estimated bill yesterday so I read her meter for her to get an accurate reading. It was BELOW the figure from the last time the company did a reading. I keep looking at the figures and thinking I must be reading them wrong, but no.

Today's reading: 73635 (The company had estimated 74338)

April 15 reading: 74070

Now, it's not me, is it? Today's figure really is lower?

My mum, who's 84, tells me that it's her new solar panels that are making the meter run backwards!! Mmmm. She has had solar panels fitted a few months ago, but surely they can't have that effect??

Any ideas gratefully received

Sterlingtimes

ChrisJJ wrote: »

My mum, who's 84, tells me that it's her new solar panels that are making the meter run backwards.

Your 84 year mum is absolutely correct.

System

Sterlingtimes wrote: »

Your 84 year mum is absolutely correct.

But, sadly, if the meter is running backwards then this should have been addressed by the PV solar installation team. You should tell your Mum's energy company as the meter needs to be changed.

http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/feed-in-tariffs-explained/meters-running-backwards/

DandelionPatrol

ChrisJJ wrote: »

My mum, who's 84, tells me that it's her new solar panels that are making the meter run backwards!! Mmmm. She has had solar panels fitted a few months ago, but surely they can't have that effect??

Does this really need explaining?

Normally energy is transferred from the grid to the premises and the meter runs forwards. If the panels export more energy than is being used in the house, the energy transfers from the house to the grid and the meter runs backwards.

[Deleted User]

Dont worry Chrisjj, its a very common thing that when solar panels are installed many, if not all, of the old analogue meters run backwards when on a sunny day she s using less than the panels provide,. I ve seen meters what have been doing that for 5 years without the suppliers doing anything about it even tho they have the meter serial numbers and are aware of the solar panels. I have recently sent in an OFGEM complaint about this only last week which they say is being acted upon..The people who fit the panels are nt bothered at all as they still get the export tariff in full.

Sagz_2

I bought a house with solar panels a year ago and the meter runs backwards on even dull days.
Every time I try to submit a meter reading online it fails. Can't do it on the automatic system on the phone either. Have to go online and use chat and send photos. They even send a bloke out to check it sometimes!
I've just changed suppliers to see if the are more on the ball and will understand that I am actually giving correct readings.

[Deleted User]

Sagz wrote: »

I bought a house with solar panels a year ago and the meter runs backwards on even dull days.
Every time I try to submit a meter reading online it fails. Can't do it on the automatic system on the phone either. Have to go online and use chat and send photos. They even send a bloke out to check it sometimes!
I've just changed suppliers to see if the are more on the ball and will understand that I am actually giving correct readings.

I only know one other meter reader who has a bit of fun looking for them.Most have no idea what to look for,most of them have no idea about bypassed and fiddled meters neither
.You should be reporting your faulty meter to your supplier. You are obliged to report faulty meters under the terms and conditions of supply .They can claim back up to 6 years over payments back

ChrisJJ

Thank you to all the people who've posted helpful replies - much appreciated :beer:

[Deleted User]

Sagz wrote: »

I bought a house with solar panels a year ago and the meter runs backwards on even dull days.
Every time I try to submit a meter reading online it fails. Can't do it on the automatic system on the phone either. Have to go online and use chat and send photos. They even send a bloke out to check it sometimes!
I've just changed suppliers to see if the are more on the ball and will understand that I am actually giving correct readings.

Your meter is faulty, have you informed the supplier. as you are obliged to do.they can reclaim up to 6 years back billing .Its hidden away in your t/cs about faulty meters

ChrisJJ

Just to clarify: my mother did not choose to have solar panels, the housing association installed them. My mum doesn't always fully comprehend certain things, so didnt really understand the implications. As far as I can tell, there wasn't any written information provided. I also have no experience of solar panels, having never looked into them myself, so perhaps this will go some way to explaining whey we are not well versed in this matter.

We will certainly be informing her supplier this week about the electric meter.

Again, thank you for your input.

System

ChrisJJ wrote: »

Just to clarify: my mother did not choose to have solar panels, the housing association installed them. My mum doesn't always fully comprehend certain things, so didnt really understand the implications. As far as I can tell, there wasn't any written information provided. I also have no experience of solar panels, having never looked into them myself, so perhaps this will go some way to explaining whey we are not well versed in this matter.

We will certainly be informing her supplier this week about the electric meter.

Again, thank you for your input.

@ChrisJJ - surely this is one for your Mother's Housing Association to deal with on her behalf.