Annual usage for energy company after Solar PV?

Temrael

Hi all,

We had 15 solar panels installed in March and since then our average weekly electric usage has dropped from around 70 kWhs per week to about 30 kWhs per week.

Our usage has been pretty consistent since getting solar but my official annual estimate (which I understand is shared between suppliers) is still based off my old (pre-PV) usage. The official estimate is still 3,518 kWhs p.a. but I think 2,500 kWhs is more likely (allowing for it to go up lots in winter of course).

I've contacted my energy company (who have just tried to put my monthly direct debit up yet again) to explain, but I wondered how it is supposed to work?

What's people's experience of getting one's energy supplier to understand/believe this change in usage? How long should it take for the (much lower) weekly meter readings I'm submitting to lead to a fundamental shift in my official annual estimate?

Thanks in advance,

EricMears

I've had just the opposite 'problem' from Bulb ! Their system keeps noticing that my account is in credit and suggesting that I might like to claim a refund &/or reduce my DD.

Not really a problem since when I reply to their email explaining that SPs cause low summer usage and I need to build up credit for winter , a human being in the customer services department will apologise and promise to leave the DD alone (except that robot ignores that and sends another message a couple of months later )

I'm sure you can insist that your supplier uses a lower DD rate but if you're getting really fed up with them, you could always consider changing suppliers - and as part of the change process you'll be able to enter any annual estimate you feel appropriate.

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Temrael

Thanks Eric, I actually switched suppliers a couple of months ago (Tonik to Octopus) and so that probably added to the problem as Octopus are seeing less history. I tart my way round suppliers regularly.

I actually did set the estimate correctly when I switched, but that seems to get over ruled via some industry process whereby the new supplier is provided with the official annual estimate (from the previous supplier). From Octopus's email...

"Every UK home has an official estimate, based on historical meter readings. We've now received this from your previous supplier, and it looks like you're using more energy than your initial estimate."

I'm sure it'll sort itself out in the end.

Martyn1981

I think your 2,500kWh estimate looks reasonable, hopefully you'll do even better.

Our consumption fell from 3,000 to 1,500, and our summer weekly fell from 50 to 20 (approx 7.5 per day to 2.5).

You may find, as Eric points out, that following much lower summer consumption, the algorithms will attempt to underestimate your winter consumption.

pinnks

Same here. Our annual total usage is dropping but since 2017 it has settled at around 3,600 kWh per annum, of which we self-consume about half and import about half.

We are with E.On and simply logon and set our DD as we see fit. It might moan at you if you go too low based on their data but still seems to let you set a lower amount.

Absent an online option I suggest you call and ask/demand that they reduce the DD based on your reasonable expectations from now having PV.

Best of luck:beer:

EricMears

Temrael wrote: »

Thanks Eric, I actually switched suppliers a couple of months ago (Tonik to Octopus) and so that probably added to the problem as Octopus are seeing less history. I tart my way round suppliers regularly.

I've just had a look at the Octopus website which confirmed my vague recollection that they don't charge exit fees. I was with them for a couple of months last year (when OneSelect failed) but left at earliest opportunity for a more competitive supplier.

You would therefore be free to change to a different supplier any time you felt like it - but more importantly, you can ring them up and tell them that if they don't drop your DD to a value you consider realistic, you will be leaving.

thevilla

After installing PV I owned up to my meter running backwards. Ebico estimated my next bills based upon previous usage and took 6 months to replace the meter. Even after more than 12 months real usage they refused to re estimate. Finally I got the ombudsman involved and they ruled in my favour. Re estimated the bill and ordered compensation.
I think the utility retailers try any trick to keep your money in their accounts as long as possible.

Temrael

Octopus are happy for me to ignore their suggested increase and leave the DD where I had it so it's all good. Interested to see where my real annual usage ends up now we have the solar.