Broken electricity meter

slaphead61

The digital display on our meter stopped working in March. After reviewing our previous bills, we discovered that from Oct/Nov our usage had trebled leading us to believe that the meter had been faulty for some time.  We have contacted our supplier who have said quote” It is really unfortunate that the meter has stopped displaying the usage but if the figures were thought to be incorrect then we needed to be told this when it was still functioning properly.”  Unfortunately we were not aware that it wasn’t working correctly until it stopped altogether.  Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the company BULB will not change the meter or have it tested.  The last actual reading was taken in 28th January 2020.  We are concerned that all our electricity bills from this date will be higher than they should be.  We have not introduced any new appliances into the house and have not changed any of our usage.  Can anyone suggest a way to proceed with a view to getting our bills reduced.  Previous to this we have always been in credit.  Now bulb are saying we owe £324.  Thanks in advance.

Gerry1

Is it a conventional or smart meter?  Think in kWh, not £££.

burntwood

slaphead61 said:

The digital display on our meter stopped working in March. After reviewing our previous bills, we discovered that from Oct/Nov our usage had trebled leading us to believe that the meter had been faulty for some time.  We have contacted our supplier who have said quote” It is really unfortunate that the meter has stopped displaying the usage but if the figures were thought to be incorrect then we needed to be told this when it was still functioning properly.”  Unfortunately we were not aware that it wasn’t working correctly until it stopped altogether.  Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the company BULB will not change the meter or have it tested.  The last actual reading was taken in 28th January 2020.  We are concerned that all our electricity bills from this date will be higher than they should be.  We have not introduced any new appliances into the house and have not changed any of our usage.  Can anyone suggest a way to proceed with a view to getting our bills reduced.  Previous to this we have always been in credit.  Now bulb are saying we owe £324.  Thanks in advance.

Follow the supplier's complaint procedure. They have 8 weeks to resolve your complaint, else you can escalate it to the ombudsman service.

Bulb don't handle faulty meters themselves, but farm it out to one of the metering service providers.
Whilst non-essential meter changes are currently on hold, I can assure youy there are key workers out there maintaining our energy supplies, and that includes replacing faulty meters.

slaphead61

There is a government site that talks about checking meters, I have emailed them and am waiting a reply

burntwood

slaphead61 said:

There is a government site that talks about checking meters, I have emailed them and am waiting a reply

Your supplier is responsible for making sure your gas and electricity meters work properly.
Hence why I advised you need to follow the supplier's complaint procedure if, as appears to be the case, your supplier is unwilling in the first instance to assist you with your faulty meter.

[Deleted User]

slaphead61 said:

The digital display on our meter stopped working in March. After reviewing our previous bills, we discovered that from Oct/Nov our usage had trebled leading us to believe that the meter had been faulty for some time.

Too late now, but if you had been in the habit of taking monthly readings you would have a good idea of usage to back up your case.

You haven't said if it is a smart meter.

slaphead61

burntwood said:

slaphead61 said:

There is a government site that talks about checking meters, I have emailed them and am waiting a reply

Your supplier is responsible for making sure your gas and electricity meters work properly.
Hence why I advised you need to follow the supplier's complaint procedure if, as appears to be the case, your supplier is unwilling in the first instance to assist you with your faulty meter.

We have followed their procedure, and have now got a deadlock letter, and we are now taking it to the ombusman.

slaphead61

It isn't a smart meter