Should I have to pay for a Backstop meter?

Sagz_2

I bought a house with solar panels on a year ago. Since then I've given meter readings to EDF and paid by direct debit. Every meter reading has been trouble as the online and phone system wouldn't accept the lower than last time readings. I told them it was because of the solar panels, they just took the readings over the phone, accepted photos or sent a bloke out to read the meter, again.
Anyway....
Swopped supplier and my final bill was estimated so phoned to give the actual reading and was told I should have a Backstop meter fitted and when that was done the would recalculate my bills.

Told Ovo, my new supplier, about all of the above and they will fit a new meter but want to charge me for it.

Am I responsible for the cost of the new meter?

Has anyone any experience of the same situation?

tunnel

If i'm not mistaken a meter should be fit for purpose and as such should be changed free of charge(surprised EDF didn't pick up on it(did you actually tell them?))

Secondly i suggest you take a look at THIS thread although the thread is specifically aimed at OVO being your FiT AND energy provider.

I would ask if you have the choice between a smart meter and a normal one, do update and let us know how you get on.

ely_ellis

About six years ago, a new house I moved into had a pay-as-you-go meter fitted. I changed from E.on to SSE. They said I had to be with them 2 months before they would change the meter to a normal credit meter. (Free of course). E.on tried to block the move saying I owed money on a PAYG meter! Numpties!
I know its different situation but maybe you need to be with them for a little while before they will change it, however if it is going backwards then it is in their interest to get it changes asap!

Martyn1981

Sagz wrote: »

Told Ovo, my new supplier, about all of the above and they will fit a new meter but want to charge me for it.

I think this is an Ovo issue, and has come up several times before. They seem to want to charge, whereas most (all?) others don't!

Mart.

warrenb

I called EDF when I noticed my meter went backwards. Coming next week to change it free of charge

Sterlingtimes

Some inconclusive advice is provided by Which?

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

One thing for sure is that the solar installer has a responsibility for identification.

Perhaps Ovo feels aggrieved when it has an inward transfer of an incompatible meter that has not been changed by the prior supplier.

Could Ovo just supply a smart meter free of charge? Perhaps you are outside of Ovo's installation area.

EricMears

Sterlingtimes wrote: »

Perhaps Ovo feels aggrieved when it has an inward transfer of an incompatible meter that has not been changed by the prior supplier.

In which case Ovo's remedy should be to claim from the previous supplier.

OP's position should be that he doesn't care how long the supplier leaves their faulty meter in place but give them permission to change it at their own expense if they want to do so.

Sagz_2

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'll throw the ball back to Ovo and ask them to fit the meter for free or I switch again.

EricMears

Sagz wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'll throw the ball back to Ovo and ask them to fit the meter for free or I switch again.

That's not much of a threat; They'd probably prefer you to go

Might be more effective to threaten to stay with them !

theboylard

Sagz wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'll throw the ball back to Ovo and ask them to fit the meter for free or I switch again.

But do take note of Tunnel's comment - you need to think carefully about whether you want a smart meter or a proper one!
If you have a diverter (electric gadget to divert surplus generation to the hot water immersion), then you'll need to crunch some numbers, if no diverter then I would consider a smart meter?

Sagz_2

I emailed back to thank them for their kind offer of half price meter fitting, but that I was happy to leave it as it was.

They have replied:
"I have spoken to a team leader regarding your account as the meter fault is not technically your fault as you have inherited the faulty meter.

In this instance we will waver the charge of a meter exchange."

:money: