UNEXPLAINED ELECTICITY METER READING SPIKE

John_Hart

Yes, the Nov-Jan readings can perhaps be accounted for by the heating radiators, but the March 31 - May 3rd spike happened in under 5 weeks during which time all heating was switched off permanently sometime in (mid?) April. If I demonstrate the reduced and regular pattern of usage before and after the Mar 31 to 2 May spike period, do you think I have a leg to stand on with Utilita and will they send out an engineer to assess the system? Bearing in mind my readings post May 2, could it be a meter fault? 

Robin9

@John_Hart - what is your Mum's heating -  storage rads, underfloor, panel , magic dust heaters ?

Utilita won't send an engineer out to assess your system. What they might do is change the meter at your cost (£160 ???) and refund if found faulty.

Reed_Richards

It would probably be cheaper to get an electrician to fit a second electricity meter to keep tabs on the main one.

John_Hart

Two economy radiators in lounge bought 2012. One failed and was replaced with new dimplex wall mounted radiator in Feb. 2022? Another similar in bathroom also new and an older one in hallway. Underfoor heating in large conservatory is not working fully and was turned off probably at the end of 2012 but was seldom used prior to that. A very old heater in bedroom was identified as an electricity guzzler by an electrician some time ago and was disconnected long before March 31st. Occasional use of portable electric fire, kettle, toaster, dishwasher etc. but nothing that seems to point to a huge spike sometime in April. 

theoretica

John_Hart said:

Thank you for your replies and apologies for my slow response. No reply yet from Utilita to my email headed URGENT... I have gone through all her statements for the last three years. A recent summary of DAYTIME readings is:
31.03.22 1332C
25.01.22 1071C
01.01.22 528E
31.12.21 528E
03.11.21 97655C
01.10.21 97122E
E = estimated reading; C = my readings

I cannot explain the daytime reading 03811 taken on May 3rd and the spike of over 2500 units during April in less that 5 weeks. I have taken daytime and nighttime readings every day since May 2nd and her usage is now consistently low and uniform - approx 8-10 units during daytime and several units each night (breathing equipment). The meter is quite old, I think, but digital. AM110R property of EON. No date visible. I don't seem able to upload a picture here showing the reading taken on May 3rd. I am worried that she will face another big bill but I can at least track the figures to show that in 2022 both prior to and after the reading taken on May 3rd her electricity usage is consistently low and seemingly as it should be. Any thoughts, explanations or advice? Thanks a lot. John Hart

The March reading looks suspiciously and unrealistically low to me - Jan to March isn't even using the amount you say she is currently using, - it comes out only 4 or 5 units a day, and at a time when some heating would be expected.  I think the March reading may have been a slip - maybe for 3132 which would smooth out the jumps.

Do you have data for the property from last year?  How much was used in 12months or the same period?

Robin9

Just a thought - you've replaced a couple of storage rads with Dimplex Wall Mounted.

Perhaps you Mum hasn't got used to these yet. Can you give us make and model please.

Your Mum's use actually looks quite low to me - it is important that she keeps warm.

Reed_Richards

Reed_Richards said:

I think the most likely explanation is that the true reading on 31st of March was really 3332 and not 1332.  That would put the actual usage at under 500 units, which would be much more consistent with the current day-to-day readings.  I

theoretica said:
The March reading looks suspiciously and unrealistically low to me - Jan to March isn't even using the amount you say she is currently using, - it comes out only 4 or 5 units a day, and at a time when some heating would be expected.  I think the March reading may have been a slip - maybe for 3132 which would smooth out the jumps.

That's another vote in favour of a mistake on the March reading.

John_Hart

Yes, I am an idiot. Complete idiot. A reading of 3132 rather than 1332 fits the pattern of usage both before and after March 31st. Sometimes you need fresh eyes to see things more clearly! Thank you to all who responded, particularly those who spotted the error that I could not. I have contacted Utilita and have at least managed to put back most of the arrears that she owes to the previous quarter before the unit cost went up. It has also given me the opportunity to track her account in detail for the last three years and learn lessons for how she uses electricity in the future. I am very grateful for your help in putting our minds at rest. John 

Reed_Richards

It's very decent of you to confess that you made a mistake, @John_Hart .  A lot of people will post a query then vanish when it appears they may have made a mistake themselves, so you never know the outcome.  And actually it's a good outcome, better than to carry on suspecting you are dealing with a meter that is intermittently faulty.  Good for Utilita that they accepted your explanation.