Incorrect electric meter

sikora

Having rented and lived in the property for 5 years, I've recently discovered that the wrong electric meter is registered at the address. 
 The property is in a block of 3 apartments with the meters located in a communal area.  It's only during lockdown: where I've temporarily moved in with my girlfriend, that I'd noticed usage on the meter, and with some investigating with my neighbour by isolating the power and chasing the wiring to the meters, we've discovered we have both been going off the wrong meters.  They were the meters we were separately shown by the letting agent, and our electricity suppilers confirm that the meters we've been going off are the ones shown on the national database
My electricity supplier is investigating, and I'm sure of getting some money back:  My neighbour only moved in at the begining of February and I have her starting meter reading.  But where would I stand with historical payments?  Who would be liable?  It looks to me like this would of been an issue from the date the building was built and also of affected previous tenants too.

CSmith1973

As this is a supplier error I think you would be covered through whats referred to as the backbilling rules. If a supplier has made an error they can only charge back for 12 months consumption so in your case they should be refunding you.

 As this is a complex sort of an issue my suggestion would be to open a complaint with them to have it assigned to a specialist as that would be the best possible way of getting it fixed. Plus, If they dont close your complaint within 8 weeks, you can then take your case to the ombudsman. This is the best way to get it resolved.

MWT

I wouldn't be at all sure that this is covered under the 'back-billing' rules, or that it is a 'supplier error'.

They have been billing in accordance with the national database so the supplier is not in error.

The database is clearly wrong though and as a result I would expect the current supplier to assist with correcting that and they will probably suggest a mutually acceptable estimate based on recent usage adjusted for the winter period. 

Carrot007

CSmith1973 said:

As this is a supplier error I think you would be covered through whats referred to as the backbilling rules. If a supplier has made an error they can only charge back for 12 months consumption so in your case they should be refunding you.

Is it though? It's a 50/50 responsibility and the customer has only ust noticed after 5 years. I would notice after 5 mins. But I would check that sort of thing and never take anyone's word for it.

Still yes it will be a pain to sort out. Will also cause a duplicate meter on the database unless both do it at the same time, which is unlikely unless same supplier. If same supplier it may be easier to work out.

Do complain and get it sorted out but any correction will have to be argued and you are not going to be refunded without proof. Back billing does not apply as you were billed even though it was wrong. It will be a re-bill not a back bill. Such is life. Hopefully in normal times the flats used around the same (as again if not you really should have noticed something was up (and keeping quiet becuase you thought it cheap is not a get out ;-) ) ).

I used to have to sort this thing out 12 years ago. It was not easy then and now with more suppliers in the mix and people changing more often it will be practically impossibe. Especially if the "cheap" suppliers are involved as they would rather you move on than them do something to sort it out as that would be losing money, not that the big ones don't lose money just they have to be seen to be doing something. Well out of that business area thankfully.

Just to add. I have seen a flat complex of 40 odd flats that were all mixed up. It's usually the faulty of the builder and ha been that was since building. They like to cut costs too. Hopefully OP yours is not that complex!

ElephantBoy57

sikora said:

They were the meters we were separately shown by the letting agent, and our electricity suppilers confirm that the meters we've been going off are the ones shown on the national database
My electricity supplier is investigating, and I'm sure of getting some money back: 

So your issue was caused by the letting agent?  Why would you get some kind of refund, is the other flat larger?

I think you may have to take it on the chin, maybe ask the letting agent for an apology.

MWT

ElephantBoy57 said:

So your issue was caused by the letting agent?

No, the letting agent was just showing the meters that everyone has been treating as the right ones, including the national database, so not their fault either...

Nor should the OP 'take it on the chin', there will need to be some estimates and possible negotiating and the outcome will certainly be interesting so I hope the OP updates this thread as it progresses...