Should I change multi mpan electricity meter

AllieCat

I live in rented flat and the supplier when I moved in was eon. Bill seems to vary wildly and be very high despite living on my own and being out at work quite a lot so I decided to switch suppliers. However, when I tried, I got an email saying they couldn’t as meter wasn’t registered to national database. I contacted eon who did this but also told me I was on a multi mpan meter and some suppliers wouldn’t take it. The new supplier has been provided with this info and emailed back to say:

What we have on our hands here are related meters. This a setup that you don't see a lot of, I'll be honest with you!

Just to make you aware, we currently have to charge two standing charges for related meters because there are two supply points feeding your home, rather than one.

If you're ok with that, then we'd love to continue with your signup. Just be aware that you will be paying an extra standing charge of 20.44p per day, which is roughly £75 per year.

One of your meters will be billed at on single-rate agreement, and we'd need to take meter readings by email or over the phone.

Is this to be expected? Would I save money by switching to a different meter? Any advice appreciated!

wavelets

AllieCat wrote: »

I live in rented flat and the supplier when I moved in was eon. Bill seems to vary wildly and be very high despite living on my own and being out at work quite a lot so I decided to switch suppliers. However, when I tried, I got an email saying they couldn’t as meter wasn’t registered to national database. I contacted eon who did this but also told me I was on a multi mpan meter and some suppliers wouldn’t take it. The new supplier has been provided with this info and emailed back to say:

What we have on our hands here are related meters. This a setup that you don't see a lot of, I'll be honest with you!

Just to make you aware, we currently have to charge two standing charges for related meters because there are two supply points feeding your home, rather than one.

If you're ok with that, then we'd love to continue with your signup. Just be aware that you will be paying an extra standing charge of 20.44p per day, which is roughly £75 per year.

One of your meters will be billed at on single-rate agreement, and we'd need to take meter readings by email or over the phone.

Is this to be expected? Would I save money by switching to a different meter? Any advice appreciated!

You will need to discuss and agree any change with your landlord first, who I suspect will not consent.

Until then, cancel your switch request.

The other option would be to give notice, quit, and find somewhere else to live.

Welcome back, btw, albeit the briefest of returns :cool:

AllieCat

Ah had sort of forgotten about landlady’s say in all this. Thanks for the advice.

macman

Attempts to switch suppliers when dual MPAN's are involved inevitably end in tears, as you have found. Ask the LL to switch to a single MPAN metering, possibly E7, but first determine what metering is best.
How is the property heated and hot watered?

Jonesya

Normally the multi-MPAN meters are for specialised tariffs for electric storage heating.

Do you have electric heating and hot water? Are the timers set to charge up over-night and/or during the off-peak hours?

And check your tariff - are you actually on an Electric heating tariff, or have you been moved over to a normal flat rate tariff at some point?

AllieCat

Both heating and hot water are electric. There is hot water storage. I just assumed this was being charged during the off peak hours...

Does that set up mean I need two mpans?

macman

But what sort of electric heating? NSH's and an immersion heater?
We need to establish if your system can take advantage of cheaper off peak rates.
Don't assume anything. Check it.

AllieCat

I’m visiting my parents at the minute but back home tomorrow night and will have a proper look and update! Really appreciate all the help.

AllieCat

The system is a heatrae sadia electromax and this is the description.


The Electromax is a combined electric central heating boiler and unvented storage water heater. The electric boiler provides heat to the water that is pumped around the radiators / underfoor heating system in your property thus warming it up. The water heater operates independently to the boiler and provides a full tank of domestic hot water heated by Off-Peak electricity. Should this hot water store be fully used a “Boost” element is fitted to provide a smaller quantity of water in a shorter time. This can be used any time needed as it works off a 24 hour electrical supply.