National Electricity Meter Database

Elaine_Catchpole

Many years ago (I cannot exactly remember how many) I realised that my family circumstances meant that my usage of Economy 7 was not in fact financially viable, so I changed to a tariff which was the same day and night (again I cannot remember with which supplier). My supplier for the last few years has been First Utility with whom I have had no problems. However, I recently joined a Community Switch scheme and received a quote which was considerably lower than FU's new fixed tariff so I duly pressed the button to switch to SSE. As I had heard nothing after about a week I contacted SSE who had no record of my switch but promised to investigate. Two days later I was informed that because the national meter database showed that I had an Economy 7 meter I would have to go through the process again via the Community Switch to obtain a new quote. (I had not used Economy 7 for so long that it had not occurred to me to state that I had two meters in the original on-line application.) Both institutions were perfectly helpful but when the new quote arrived it worked out more expensive with the use of a different day and night tariff and so I declined the quote, deciding to remain with FU. What concerns me is that a similar situation could occur again in the future preventing me from taking advantage of the tariffs which are most advantageous to me. Of course, the database is correct in its record that my home has an Economy 7 meter but why should I be tied to it. As stated, I have had no problems with FU and it may be that I have been unlucky with SSE and that other suppliers may be perfectly happy to accept 2 meter readings under one tariff. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

footyguy

Elaine_Catchpole wrote: »

Many years ago (I cannot exactly remember how many) I realised that my family circumstances meant that my usage of Economy 7 was not in fact financially viable, so I changed to a tariff which was the same day and night (again I cannot remember with which supplier). My supplier for the last few years has been First Utility with whom I have had no problems. However, I recently joined a Community Switch scheme and received a quote which was considerably lower than FU's new fixed tariff so I duly pressed the button to switch to SSE. As I had heard nothing after about a week I contacted SSE who had no record of my switch but promised to investigate. Two days later I was informed that because the national meter database showed that I had an Economy 7 meter I would have to go through the process again via the Community Switch to obtain a new quote. (I had not used Economy 7 for so long that it had not occurred to me to state that I had two meters in the original on-line application.) Both institutions were perfectly helpful but when the new quote arrived it worked out more expensive with the use of a different day and night tariff and so I declined the quote, deciding to remain with FU. What concerns me is that a similar situation could occur again in the future preventing me from taking advantage of the tariffs which are most advantageous to me. Of course, the database is correct in its record that my home has an Economy 7 meter but why should I be tied to it. As stated, I have had no problems with FU and it may be that I have been unlucky with SSE and that other suppliers may be perfectly happy to accept 2 meter readings under one tariff. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Surely you are reminded everytime you receive a bill, if not more frequently if you provide regular meter readings, that you have an E7 meter as you have 2 registries.

Surely that then reminds you that you that you are in fact paying the expensive rate on both registries rather than getting one at about half price.

Not many suppliers accept customers onto a single rate tariff if they have a dual rate meter, although there are the odd supplier or two that offer E7 where both day & night rate are the same (i.e. high!)

As you have been advised, consult a comparison site to find the best deal for you .

If you really wnat to do away with cheap rate electricity, get a single rate meter fitted (a charge may apply)

Welcome ... and good luck!

dogshome

The record of your meter type held by the regional data base is king.

Only some suppliers will agree to add the Day/Night readings together and charge at standard meter rates, but this is a private arrangement between you and that supplier.

Any other supplier you switch to is duty bound to charge on the basis of the meter registered on the data base in the first instance - If they are also willing to totallise ECO7 consumption, the entire private arrangment process has to start afresh