Smart Meter Error

Richardoatway

hi i was wondering if anyone could help me,
i recently switched supplier, and i have received my final bill from EDF, and it states that i have used 4000 KWH for the period between 7th May and November 3rd. my annual usage was 1400kwh for the entire year previously, and nothing has changed, i have not installed a hot tub/ swimming pool etc. i have rang EDF and they said as the meter readings were from the smart meter they cannot do anything, so i have escalated as a complaint. 

i cannot see how i can use almost three times my annual usage in 6 months over the summer, when the lighting is minimal and the tumble dryer is not is use. 

i have asked them to provide my meter readings for the period, as my smart meter was set to 30min update, so they should be able to provide my meter readings. they say they can't, which is my first query, does anyone know if they are required to keep my data for a period of time etc. 

during this time, my smart meter underwent a firmware upgrade, has anyone heard of the smart meter skipping units, or restarting on a different meter reading following the update? its the only thing i can think that would cause such a jump. 

i am trying to use n3rgy to get my readings but its only showing the last few days, so im assuming its taking a while to gather the amount of data. 

any help would be appreciated. 

many thanks

Robin9

Can you give us the readings from your bills please .

Also check that the meter details are correct - its possible the records haven't been updated. Do the bills agree with the readings left on the sticker on the new meter ?

Was the 1400kWh based on ACTUAL readings if not then its possible that the ACTUAL reading from the old meter when it was removed resulted in a big catch up bill.

matelodave

Have you been checking your bills regularly to ensure that the smart meter readings were being used. TBH 1400kwh is unfeasibly low for a whole year, most people use around 3000kwh a year so it does look like that last year's bills were based on estimates

All smart meters have the facility to record and store up to 13 months worth of data. I can view may monthly consumption figures  directly from my smart meter using my IHD so it might be useful to help you backtrack if you can do that with yours.Check it out -https://www.edfenergy.com/smart-meters/using-a-smart-meter/chameleon-3-display look here (use the calendar function)
(mine still does it even though the meter hasn't been sending data back for nearly four years and five supplier ago)

Even though you've got a smart meter you should still check the actual meter regularly and ensure that the bills do actually reflect accurate meter readings. Likewise you should ideally download and save your monthly bills or statements rather than hoping that the info will be available to you at some time in the future as it frequently isn't

.

[Deleted User]

matelodave said:

Even though you've got a smart meter you should still check the actual meter regularly and ensure that the bills do actually reflect accurate meter readings. Likewise you should ideally download and save your monthly bills or statements rather than hoping that the info will be available to you at some time in the future as it frequently isn't

.

Hi,

good advice for everybody, also set up your own wee spreadsheet, keep track of usage and cost.

Richardoatway

matelodave said:

Have you been checking your bills regularly to ensure that the smart meter readings were being used. TBH 1400kwh is unfeasibly low for a whole year, most people use around 3000kwh a year so it does look like that last year's bills were based on estimates

All smart meters have the facility to record and store up to 13 months worth of data. I can view may monthly consumption figures  directly from my smart meter using my IHD so it might be useful to help you backtrack if you can do that with yours.
(mine still does it even though the meter hasn't been sending data back for nearly four years and five supplier ago)

Even though you've got a smart meter you should still check the actual meter regularly and ensure that the bills do actually reflect accurate meter readings. Likewise you should ideally download and save your monthly bills or statements rather than hoping that the info will be available to you at some time in the future as it frequently isn't

.

hi Matelodave

thank you so much for this, just been through my in home hub, and have found the following:
May 305
June 323
July 311
August 291
sept. 294
october 365
which equates to nowhere near 4000 units. in fact more like 1800, less than half of the sum they have said i use. 

the last years bills were based on smart meter readings, and not on estimates. the meter readings were 1499 in may 2019- 2940 - May 2020. 

Robin9

In what way do they say "used 4000kWh" ?  Is it their estimate for the year ? EDIT 1800kWh in 6 months becomes 4000kWh in a year (allowing for additional use in winter)

What have they actually billed you ?

matelodave

If you've got the data from the meter then I'd suggest that's a good basis for a challenge but I still cant reconcile your 1400kwh for a whole year when this year your average is a lot closer to 300kwh a month = 3600kwh a year which is around what most people use.
Your1400kwh in a year works out at less than 4kwh a day

As Robin says you need to scrutinise your bills as there does look like there's been a random guess in there somewhere (probably last year) but it's not easy to backtrack if you didn't save them all.

What does you meter read at the moment.  If the May 2020 reading of 2940 was correct then I'd expect your meter to read about 5200 give or take. If it's nearer to 7000 then I'd suspect that the May 2020 read was wrong by about 1800kwh

When was the meter actually fitted and was it at zero, you need to see what you've been using as an average and project if forwards  

Richardoatway

Robin9 said:

In what way do they say "used 4000kWh" ?  Is it their estimate for the year ? EDIT 1800kWh in 6 months becomes 4000kWh in a year (allowing for additional use in winter)

What have they actually billed you ?

hi Robin9 

the bill states: 

2940- 7th may

7032 - 3rd November, equating to 4092kwh. in that time period (181 days). so the bill for the electric is £722. 

but my meter readings only show 1889 of usage. which is what id expect, it is higher than last year potentially as the whole family have been home every day, no holidays etc during lockdown. 

Robin9

Check the serial number on the meter with that on the bill.

Richardoatway

Robin9 said:

Check the serial number on the meter with that on the bill.

ive checked the IHD meter info and the meter info on the bill matches. 

Verdigris

1400kWh per annum is infeasible, especially as you use a tumble drier. I use about 1800kWh/annum and I don't use a tumble drier, rarely use a conventional oven, or any other power hungry heating devices, have LED lighting and energy efficient appliances. One or two 40-degree wash loads a week.