Industry Validation

NickyDavis

I found this topic on a post dated 5 years ago so thought a new post might be good. I recently switched from tonik to avro. I submitted accurate meter readings on the required date. The electricity one was used but an estimate was used for the gas reading. These matched on final statement from tonik and initial statement from avro but the number was not the one I sent in and was marked as an estimate. I was a few pounds out of pocket though because of the different tarrifs. I complained more on a matter of principle than the money, as surely it is better to use accurate readings. I was told by avro that the readings pass through "industry validation" and the estimate was not generated by avro or tonik. Furthermore if the gas estimate falls within 45 units (it was 18 units different from my reading) they cannot raise a dispute. I accept the response from avro but it was the first I'd heard of this "industry validation estimate". I am miffed actually because it feels as if they, the validators, are doubting my honesty. I would be more than happy if they want to come and look at my meter, I'm an honest person with nothing to hide.

JJ_Egan

Nothing new in the fact that they are validated.Multiple replies on the subject.

NotLucky

NickyDavis wrote: »

I found this topic on a post dated 5 years ago so thought a new post might be good. I recently switched from tonik to avro. I submitted accurate meter readings on the required date. The electricity one was used but an estimate was used for the gas reading. These matched on final statement from tonik and initial statement from avro but the number was not the one I sent in and was marked as an estimate. I was a few pounds out of pocket though because of the different tarrifs. I complained more on a matter of principle than the money, as surely it is better to use accurate readings. I was told by avro that the readings pass through "industry validation" and the estimate was not generated by avro or tonik. Furthermore if the gas estimate falls within 45 units (it was 18 units different from my reading) they cannot raise a dispute. I accept the response from avro but it was the first I'd heard of this "industry validation estimate". I am miffed actually because it feels as if they, the validators, are doubting my honesty. I would be more than happy if they want to come and look at my meter, I'm an honest person with nothing to hide.

You may be miffed, but the truth is they obviously don't trust the reading you provided.

Btw, you were provided incorrect information. The limit under which a dispute can be legitimately rejected without further action is 109 units on a metric gas meter and 39 units on an imperial gas meter.

Even if you have an imperail gas meter, and you are attempting to dispute just 18 units, then if that really relates to a "a few pounds out of pocket", then just enjoy the fact you are not paying the rip-off rates you were paying on the previous supplier & tariff.

e.g. if you are paying even as much as 1p per kWh less, that would equate to less than £6
(Unlikely to be a saving of that magnitude considering the 2 particular suppliers involved)
It would cost a lot more than £6 if you want a meter reader to attend

mac.d

See Octopus Energy's blog on the 'Secret life of an opening meter reading' for their explanation on how it works:

https://octopus.energy/blog/secret-life-opening-meter-reading/

brewerdave

I've found that the main issue with this standardised "verification" process, is that various Utility Cos. (or more correctly,their Customer Service agents!!) don't understand how it works.
I have had a situation with One Select (Together Energy) and First Utility(now Shell) since last November - FU have used a higher closing read than OS used as the opening read.
I have just received another reply from Together Energy who claim that ,because the difference is less than 250 units ,they can't raise a dispute!

I have explained until I'm blue in the face that they both MUST use the same figure - I don't care whether FU alter their final read or OS accept a higher start reading - as I won't settle my final bill from TE, I'm being threatened with the dreaded debt collectors AGAIN:mad: