Faulty smart electricity meter

Droodle1

I've recently had a new smart meter fitted. The house is empty for up to two weeks each month and during this time, the electricity is turned off at the main switch on the consumer unit. I've noticed that when I come back, the meter reading has increased (about 4kWh each week). Looking on my IHD, I can see that daily usage was varying by up to 22p/day over the standing charge (more than I usually use in a day when I'm in the property). How can this be? My supplier will charge me £120 to test the meter. However, since it isn't simply over-running and the disparity is so variable, will their testing pick up the fault? The consumer unit is also new and was installed by a reputable electrician.

MWT

Do you also have an isolator switch close to the meter?

If so try turning it off there and see if the meter still shows any usage.

Turning off at the consumer unit just makes sure that everything connected to that consumer unit is off, there could be other circuits not on that consumer unit.

Photos of the meter area might help with some clues...

Reed_Richards

And this didn't happen before the smart meter was fitted, or don't you know?

Droodle1

Its a relatively new installation. The consumer unit was fitted about 18 months ago and the new smart meter went in 3 months ago. The supply wire from the road comes in through the wall and straight into the meter and then into the unit. There are no branches off to other circuits (the roof, ceiling and wiring above were completely renewed last year).   
The meter I had before was broken and wasn't giving readings so I have nothing to compare it with.
I haven't got a picture with the new meter in, but this one shows the old meter so you can see the set-up. The new one was just swapped in. Could the consumer unit be faulty? The master switch has been frequently used by contractors and seems to work fine (no electrocutions so far!).

MWT

It does look like a simple configuration.

If you could get a photo of the updated version with the new meter and also one of the consumer unit showing the various circuits under the front hinged cover that would be a great place to start...

Also just a general observation, if you are turning everything off that would mean you have no power to the fridge/freezer or heating for two weeks at a time, has that not caused any problems with no heating during winter and the freezer defrosting and re-freezing periodically?

Also worth checking your online account with your energy supplier as if you've opted in for half-hour meter information to be provided to them, you should be able to see exactly when the electricity is being used during the day...

Droodle1

Thanks for the suggestions MWT. I'm there next week and will try and get the photos. The house has only recently had central heating installed (but the woodburner and calor heater were fine) and I still haven't got a freezer so no problems there! I opted out of the 30 minute readings - but opting back in could be useful until I get this sorted.

MWT

I would certainly opt in, especially on a house that was frequently left unoccupied as it makes it so much easier to see what is going on when you are away.

knightstyle

What exactly are you switching off?  Could it be an RCD that only protects some circuits?

MWT

knightstyle said:

What exactly are you switching off?  Could it be an RCD that only protects some circuits?

Hopefully not if that is a relatively recent 18th edition compliant consumer unit, but that is why the photos will be helpful when they are available next week...

Droodle1

It's the big red, main switch under the hinged cover, not one of the smaller RCDS (although this time, I've switched all the switches off). I've also now opted in for 30 minute readings - hopefully I'll have something to see next week. Thanks again

Droodle1

Posted this a few days ago, but it didn't seem to work so here goes - this is a picture of the current set-up. I'm currently averaging around 20p/day (excluding standing charge). While I was away for a week, with all switches in the consumer unit off, it was averaging 10p/day. This can't be right. Haven't had chance yet to see if the half hourly readings have kicked in yet.