British Gas Electricity Smart Meter not working

Gerry1

Sorry, I should have re-read the first post

I'm surprised that they didn't extract the readings using the optical port.  Smart meters are supposed to be so clever that they can store 13 months worth of readings, but we know the reality seldom matches up to the hype.

However, if the reading is based on last year's usage it may be to your advantage because this winter was colder.

critchley

That's OK Gerry1, it is a long saga and I appreciate your input.  

Forgive my cynisism but during this long journey with BG and countless searches through forums I have reached the conclusion that they are in such a state with their staff and losing customers hand over fist through failing to honour their Home Care packages and overcharging the elderly and vulnerable, etc. that they would never let it be to the customers advantage.  I've read so many horror stories and yes, I know, if something is right people don't usually say much but if it's wrong then they will be very vocal about it but even allowing for that I've really been shocked at the predicament of so many of their customers.  

Anyway time will tell and I will come back and post the outcome here when I know what their estimate is and just hope that it isn't vastly inflated as with some poor souls.  Thank you for your time and taking an interest xx

jbuchanangb

I think you need to get ahead of them. Using the most recent actual readings on 18/3/19 and 1/12/19 you calculate that you used 3091 units in say 250 days.

From 1/12/19 to 15/6/21 is about 525 days. So you should have used 6491 units in that period. That gives an estimated closing meter reading for the old meter of 28448. So they should charge you for 1150 units from 6/1/21 to 15/6/21. All the interim estimated readings were obviously too high. I can't see how thay can argue against you.

critchley

jbuchanangb said:

I think you need to get ahead of them. Using the most recent actual readings on 18/3/19 and 1/12/19 you calculate that you used 3091 units in say 250 days.

From 1/12/19 to 15/6/21 is about 525 days. So you should have used 6491 units in that period. That gives an estimated closing meter reading for the old meter of 28448. So they should charge you for 1150 units from 6/1/21 to 15/6/21. All the interim estimated readings were obviously too high. I can't see how thay can argue against you.

Oh, thanks for that xx  I just couldn't seem to get my head round it.  I've looked at those readings again and now they have it down like this:

Date	Reading	Consumption
16/06/2021	00000	0 kWh
15/06/2021	28000	702 kWh
06/01/2021	27298 (estimated)	1269 kWh
07/10/2020	26029 (estimated)	1176 kWh
07/07/2020	24853 (estimated)	1236 kWh
06/04/2020	23617 (estimated)	1660 kWh
01/12/2019	21957	753 kWh
30/09/2019	21204	377 kWh
01/09/2019	20827	1090 kWh
30/05/2019	19737	871 kWh
18/03/2019	18866	18866 kWh

So by your reckoning that looks good doesn't it?  Or am I not getting it?  Thank you for your help @jbuchanangb xx

jbuchanangb

It seems they have decided on a closing reading of 28000, which is less than I calculated. Don't argue with that, it is very reasonable. Make a note in your diary and read the meter every month on the 16th, keep records, and make sure that everything stays on track from now on.

critchley

jbuchanangb said:

It seems they have decided on a closing reading of 28000, which is less than I calculated. Don't argue with that, it is very reasonable. Make a note in your diary and read the meter every month on the 16th, keep records, and make sure that everything stays on track from now on.

Thank you so much (and everyone that has taken the trouble to help and advise me).  I have taken note of what you say about staying more on track with the readings so hopefully I don't get in this mess again.  I hope this will be my final post in this saga but it's great to know that there are people willing to give their time and knowledge when you don't know what to do. 😘😘😘