Electricity Cost Doubled

System

Househelp wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies, I spoke with the provider who said the readings have always been actuals, they had a look over the past few years and said something can't be right as for 7 years its always been roughly the same then to double there must be something wrong. The meter is being changed on Wednesday, they will wait another 3 months (keeping old direct debits) then review as they too think it can't be possible. If it is then the direct debit will obviously increase which is fine.

There is something not quite right here. Suppliers do not change meters just because of high usage readings. They normally install a check meter or test the meter off site. In both cases, if the meter is found to be serviceable there will be a charge.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electricity-meter-accuracy-disputes

Quote: As a final option when all other routes to settle the problem/dispute have failed, on request, the supplier will make arrangements for the accuracy of the meter to be verified by an independent meter examiner appointed by Safety & Standards under Schedule 7 of the Electricity Act 1989.

This is known as a !!!8216;meter determination!!!8217; and should be requested through your electricity supplier. However, it should be noted that the vast majority of all electricity meters submitted for determination are found to be operating within statutory limits. Unquote

A_Nice_Englishman

Looking at the figures, which I think we have established are actual readings, an extra 1918 kWh were used Feb-Apr compared with November-Jan. Thats equivalent to using a 3kW heater (the most powerful plug-in one available) for 639 hours, an average of about 7 hours a day or 24 hours a day for
26 days.

Does this sound plausible? It doesn!!!8217;t fit with the OP!!!8217;s mother!!!8217;s scenario of additional heating during the snowy period.

Shavuot

Hengus wrote: »

There is something not quite right here. Suppliers do not change meters just because of high usage readings. They normally install a check meter or test the meter off site....

Why would the OP lie?

Maybe the supplier is going to test the meter off site?

The OP indicates they have to wait 3 months after the meter is changed.

System

Shavuot wrote: »

Why would the OP lie?

Maybe the supplier is going to test the meter off site?

The OP indicates they have to wait 3 months after the meter is changed.

I haven’t suggested that anybody is lying. Suppliers do nothing for free. If usage is higher than normal, then suppliers will normally ask the consumer to monitor usage over a period of time. If these tests show extraordinary usage, then the supplier will normally fit a test meter. My concern is that the OP may be thinking that meters are changed for free. I just wonder whether the OP has unwittingly agreed to a smart meter (which would be installed at no charge to the end user).

Shavuot

Hengus wrote: »

I haven!!!8217;t suggested that anybody is lying.

Well that's the way I read your post

Hengus wrote: »

Suppliers do nothing for free....

Oh yes they do!

owen_money

Househelp wrote: »

Overall they aren't careful anyway, they have a pond which has a filter on all day. tv left on for dog ect,

I think the dog knows more about the situation than he's letting on

AndyPK

Your probably having a smart meter fitted, which is why the supplier was so happy to change it! lol

[Deleted User]

enthusiasticsaver wrote: »

Our direct debit for dual fuel has just increased from £115.52 to £185 for 4 bed house and 2 adults so I would say £163 is not too far off of the mark. In our case I have a strong suspicion that our direct debit was pegged too low when changing from another supplier as we were £159 per month before changing so we are now going to have to catch up. As your parents haven't changed suppliers though and have paid roughly the same for 7 years this can't be the issue in their case.

Your mum may be right re the electric heater use over the cold snap.

£185? Is that a month? Blimey, mine is £61 a month for a 4 bed detached dual fuel with 2 adults.

Smodlet

camelot1971 wrote: »

£185? Is that a month? Blimey, mine is £61 a month for a 4 bed detached dual fuel with 2 adults.

Agreed but, if the OP's parents have not changed supplier for 7 years, chances are they are on the SVT and prices have increased plus we had a hard winter. It is not clear whether there is a mains gas supply either. I have the impression this may be an all electric property.

Househelp

Wow people are very touchy ..

Uxb: as per my previous post I have explained what the second person suggested and have an appointment to change the meter.

Shavuot: Luckily, the account is in my fathers name (as are all the bills) and he is very much on board with me dealing with all of the accounts and I am named on them all. it was him that actually told me about the situation so please do not try make me feel bad for querying my parents bills and "going against her wishes"

And yes I am very much aware of what the supplier is doing, the meter is a smart meter which is also in their best interest, and they are keeping the direct debits as is until they have a better understanding regardless the rate isnt changing so how they choose to read the usage neither of us care.

In all honesty, I wish I never posted this, I'm not sensitive at all but these comments are just unnecessary and far from helpful.