Faulty Electric meter (blank display)

lezroy

Hi Everyone, I moved into my apartment about 6 month ago, and the electric meter has had no display since I moved in. I reported the issue with bulb immediately, but as it is a economy 7 meter they cannot replace as they say there is a shortage, and I cant accept a normal meter as I have an immersion tank. Where do I stand with this, they keep demanding meter readings, saying I owe more based on estimated readings, is there a way to tell if I have paid too much after all this time?

Ectophile

Have you raised a formal complaint with them?  If not, it's about time you did.

Gerry1

Welcome to the forum.  Assuming it's the meter on the wall and not the portable toy (the In House Display) that goes with a smart meter, search online for the instructions for the make and model number of the meter.  You will probably have to press a few buttons to get the relevant display.

Also check whether the off peak circuits are being switched at the correct times.

If no luck, raise it in a letter sent Royal Mail recorded delivery and headed COMPLAINT.  Ask for a deadlock letter by return.  If necessary, also email the CEO whose info can be found at the ceoemail website.  If still no luck, go to the Ombudsman on receipt of the deadlock letter or after eight weeks (six weeks for SSE).

If / when you get a new meter, take a photo of the new readings.  Don't be browbeaten into having a smart meter if you don't want one.

lezroy

Thanks for the replies,
Hi ectophile I have not complained formally but have by email in april, they stated they cannot install any meters due to the pandemic.

Gerry1 it is the main meter, nothing works on it only has a consistent flashing red light about twice per second.

I have let them know I will switch providers, I'm more bothered about paying out money i shouldn't and if there is a way to prove what i have actually used(or not used)

Gerry1

Is it a smart meter, or is the light labelled '1000 Imp/kWh' or similar?  If the latter, two impulses (flashes) per second corresponds to about 7.2kW, probably costing around £1 per hour at peak rate !

lezroy

no not smart meter, it is rapidly flashing whether energy is being used or not

Gerry1

lezroy said:

no not smart meter, it is rapidly flashing whether energy is being used or not

Sounds like a big bill could be coming your way !  What happens if you press 'Display Cycle' ?

Talldave

Might be worth getting an energy monitor and logging your weekly consumption; it could help when the arguments start about what you've used. 

MWT

This one is going to get messy.

With no display since you moved in how did you give them an opening meter reading?

How did they establish a closing reading for the outgoing occupier?

I would also agree that it would be wise to spend a little money and start monitoring the energy consumption ASAP.

Richie-from-the-Boro

It's not smets. Its a bog standard Ampy multirate used in TOU such as E7 etc since the 80's. Blue lights display, then cycle, but of course the display might be broken.

We can put on toy on the tails but they never came with them. I have a BG toy next to my chair. Photo of O/P's water cylinder cables or night store heater would nail it down.

lezroy

I have finally got the ombudsman involved, bulb have made an offer to replace the meter, and as they can't get a reading they have said they will have to use estimated readings. They have offered 10% off the total and £60 credit.
The ombudsman havnt yet completed an investigation,  has anyone got any thought on this? I'm not sure if its a good offer really considering I haven't had a working meter for 10 months.