Meter Reading Validation

Cardew

Talldave wrote: »

Not according to Symbio, who send every meter reading for validation which causes a delay of 7 days. Brain numbingly tedious.

But hence my interest in whether Symbio have to pay per reading or pay a flat rate.

Wouldn't the 'every meter reading' refer to a customer changing energy company.

The majority of estimated meter readings on a bill are because the energy company haven't received a meter reading; not because of a discrepancy in readings picked up by the algorithm

sevenhills

When I submit meter reading for my solar panels, there is also an option to upload a photo of the reading.
Its not a big deal, so I just do it as proof.

Cornucopia

Robin9 wrote: »

I agree - just wondering how they justify themselves. Why are they in the middle of all switches if, say, only 1 in 100,000 is an issue ?

Is it because they (and the data) are also involved in the management of supply and grid capacity?

spiro

Robin9 wrote: »

Spiro - you are in the industry aren't you.

Is there are data around that merits the use of this mysterious "independent" body that justifies its existence ? ie are 1 in a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand readings wrong?

Firstly this is not a single body, there are various organisations to operate in the role of NHHDC and a supplier uses one or more to operate on their behalf.
They process every single elec meter reading regardless of origin; meter reader (part of NHHDC), Meter Operator when they visit a site, Customer own reading and reading taken remotely from meters.
The purpose of the validation is to maintain the integrity of Settlements which is where power used and power generated are matched and billed for at supplier level.
As to how often a reading fails I have no stats on that.

MABLE

Talldave wrote: »

Not according to Symbio, who send every meter reading for validation which causes a delay of 7 days. Brain numbingly tedious.

But hence my interest in whether Symbio have to pay per reading or pay a flat rate.

I even send them a picture of the meter showing the latest read and they still go through the validation process. However that said Symbio remain the cheapest energy supplier for me.

Also Symbio do not have to pay for someone to come out to read the meter.

Talldave

If all reads go via the industry body(ies), are Symbio unique in ignoring customer meter reads for up to 7 days whilst they are validated? When I was with Pure Planet I would provide meter readings and receive a bill using those readings the next day.

GunJack

Thanks to all who've joined in here, (especially spiro). Whilst I appreciate the industry wanting to best estimate generation requirements, it seems they are too reliant on the property rather than the occupants and how they consume energy.

Maybe the issue has come more to the fore (for me at least) with more & more energy companies using monthly readings & billing, rather than every 3-6 months as was the norm (and still is with some of the big 6).

As I said in my OP, I've never had an issue with this, but it's become more evident both on this forum and in real-life conversations with folks.

Talldave

I've just had yet another experience of "the industry" changing my meter reading from the day of a switch (for which I have a photo). Final bill from old supplier arrives with an estimated gas reading meaning 190kWhr extra charged at the old supplier's higher rate.

Contacted new supplier who confirm that the all knowing, but useless, industry body changed the reading because my eyes and camera phones are obviously lying. Interesting though that they say they're ignoring the estimate and using my reading.

Back to old supplier who plays the "within tolerance, unable to challenge " card, but accepts the stupidity and credits final bill to correct it to what it should have been.

All a total waste of my time and leaves me wondering how the industry can justify thinking it knows better than my eyes/camera.

victor2

Talldave wrote: »

I've just had yet another experience of "the industry" changing my meter reading from the day of a switch (for which I have a photo). Final bill from old supplier arrives with an estimated gas reading meaning 190kWhr extra charged at the old supplier's higher rate.

Contacted new supplier who confirm that the all knowing, but useless, industry body changed the reading because my eyes and camera phones are obviously lying. Interesting though that they say they're ignoring the estimate and using my reading.

Back to old supplier who plays the "within tolerance, unable to challenge " card, but accepts the stupidity and credits final bill to correct it to what it should have been.

All a total waste of my time and leaves me wondering how the industry can justify thinking it knows better than my eyes/camera.

I had a similar experience...
Having provided my readings to the new supplier, the industry body came up with ridiculous numbers for my gas which were less than the two previous month's readings I gave my old supplier. After some delays and confusion between the two suppliers, they agreed to ignore the industry body's numbers and use mine. I had photographed the meters when I submitted the opening readings, so had something to back up my numbers. It all took time to sort out, with the old supplier refusing to produce a final bill and refund the small credit I had with them until it was resolved.
Agree with your last comment, but to be fair, it is the first time I've had such a problem, and I'm a frequent switcher.

Talldave

Another gas switch, another "rejected" meter reading and substitution of the all knowing industry body's finger in the air estimate.  This time they're around 430kWh out, which has cost me just over £3 extra with the old supplier.  Not worth fighting about, just annoying.