incorrect meter readings provided

cinek

I've lived in my current place for just over a year. I have no access to the electricity meter and neither did the owners before me. Meter readings have to be requested from the concierge.

The most recent reading I received would mean that I've spent £500 since the last meter reading whereas before I'd pay around £80 for the same period.

I got someone to open up the cabinet with the meter readings for me and it turns out the meter shows 2 readings. 1 which would match what I've been paying in the past, a 2nd reading and then the total which then comes to the £500. I've no idea how much of that I've used and how much was used by the previous owners.

I had a look at other meters too and mine is the only one with 2 readings for some reason.

How do I go about getting this sorted? Not keen on paying for someone elses electricty usage but not sure I can do much here as when I moved in I provided what I thought at the time was a valid meter reading.

[Deleted User]

Firstly make sure, with the help of a friend with a phone, do a kettle test to make sure that the meter you think is yours is actually yours.
Switch kettle on, your meter s little red light should start to pulse faster, then instantly slow back down the second the kettle switches off. Can do it a couple of times to make sure if you like.
Your bill will show if its an Eco 7 meter with day/night readings.
Eco 7 digital meters can show 2 or 3 readings, night, day and a total of the two. some meters scroll round on a loop, no button to press. If your building does not have a gas supply I would expect all the occupiers would be on Eco 7

Talldave

If your bill shows an MPAN or supply number that starts with 02, then your supplier knows you have a dual rate E7 meter and should have been asking for two readings.

If the number starts with 01, then they think you have a single rate meter. As Houbara says, confirm which meter is yours and double check the serial number against your bill.

cinek

thanks. The supply number starts with 01. It does seem to be my meter too

cinek

bump......

D_M_E

Don't bother phoning your supplier, you will get nowhere with this on the phone.

Write a letter headed COMPLAINT and set out

1. Your meter is dual rate - it has 3 registers, day rate, night rate and a third register which is the total of the previous two.

2. Give them the serial number of the meter and ask that it be correctly registered as an E7 meter.

3. Give them the current readings for the day and night registers - work out which register is measuring day and which night and photo the readings if you can - read the meter in the morning and again early evening and the register which has moved will be the day rate.

4. Ask for a correct bill based on your readings and tell them the readings supplied previously have been the total of the 2 registers.

5. Going forward, get your own key to the meter cupboard so you can read the thing yourself - you should not be relying on someone else to get the readings, you should demand your own key.

Send the letter by email as well and also state that you will only correspond about the matter in writing only.

If they do try and phone, politely decline to discuss and remind them in writing only, so that you have a paper trail of what was said and agreed.