Economy 7 question.

EssexHebridean

I’d personally be inclined to change supplier and get a smart meter fitted, then quietly
ask for a change to single rate tariff. They will need to be prepared for higher bills though I’m afraid unless they can bring that use down. 

It is of course possible that British Gas will realise the problem themselves at some point too, although this is less likely if nothing flags it up to them. 

SmithyST170

EssexHebridean said:

I’d personally be inclined to change supplier and get a smart meter fitted, then quietly
ask for a change to single rate tariff. They will need to be prepared for higher bills though I’m afraid unless they can bring that use down. 

It is of course possible that British Gas will realise the problem themselves at some point too, although this is less likely if nothing flags it up to them. 

Where they live is a block of four flats. Early last year Western Power visited a couple of times to say that as the flats were built in the early 60's the electricity supply is on a loop and they want to split it. The chap who spoke to my parents told them all four flats were on the loop and they weren't sure how they were going to sort it as it required a bit of work. 

They've heard nothing more so far. 

Is it possible that as it's on a loop one of the other tenants in the other three flats could be using some of their electricity?

I honestly haven't got a clue so apologies if that sounds ridiculous! 

Gerry1

SmithyST170 said:
Is it possible that as it's on a loop one of the other tenants in the other three flats could be using some of their electricity?

It's unlikely that a different flat is using some of their electricity but quite possible that a crossed meter means that they're paying for all use by another flat.  See what the the Meter Sanity Test reveals.

A final check would be to read the meter last thing at night, power down and disconnect all sensitive equipment, switch off all the individual circuit breakers before finally throwing the main switch. Watch the metrology meter light (marked '1000 Imp/kWh or similar) like a hawk for about 10 minutes.  The red light should never flash even once.  Leave everything off overnight.

Read the meter first thing in the morning and then switch everything back on.  Any overnight usage will suggest a faulty meter or that another circuit is connected before your consumer unit.

There was an interesting long thread a while ago (TL;DR) where some cables seemed to go down through the floor to another flat, but the OP suddenly disappeared without trace, so it was like Tony Hancock's missing last page.

SmithyST170

Gerry I've seen conflicting information on whether Rate 1 is day or night rate. Could you clear this up for me please?

I've just taken these photo's, the meter is on Rate 1 in the daytime and the numbers have moved today whereas Rate 2 has stayed the same. 

It read 68649 first thing this morning and the tumble drier and washing machine were on for a couple of hours.

Many thanks. 

dunstonh

've just taken these photo's, the meter is on Rate 1 in the daytime and the numbers have moved today whereas Rate 2 has stayed the same. 

The numbers are not applied consistently across the board.    In our case, Rate 1 is daytime and Rate 4 is off peak.  However, if you were to look at our meter now, it would be on rate 4 off peak despite it being 1.47 in the afternoon as our timer is wrong.

In most cases, you would expect rate 1 to be peak rate though (even though you cannot rely on that guide).

You also cannot rely on the size of the number being a guide either.   A higher off peak user would have a higher off peak reading.  A lower off peak user would have a lower off peak reading.

If your meter timer is correct and rate 1 is showing during peak hours then rate 1 is peak.    

Gerry1

I have the same type of meter, although my Day Rate is R2; there's no common standard.  The steady state display (before the button is pressed) is the rate that's currently active.  If you stay up late ot get up early you can see it change over.

Gerry1

PhilHornby said:

Gerry1 said:

Watch the metrology meter light (marked '1000 Imp/kWh or similar) like a hawk for about 10 minutes.  The red light should never flash even once.  

The flash only lasts 20mS

I think mine's a fair bit longer than that.  This suggests it's more likely to be around 50ms.