Is there a danger in estimated readings when on a fixed rate?

Brie

Yes I know the standard line is to always supply readings but let's put that aside.

I've recently switched provider and unbeknownst to me they can't take readings via a smart meter as the previous supplier had.  So they have asked that I give them monthly readings to keep things accurate.  Completely sensible.  

But.  To give them an electric reading I have to practically dismantle the cupboard the meter is in to enable me to see the meter.  And then remantle (is that a word?) the cupboard afterwards.  For the gas I have to go outside, find a way to open the gas meter box, get my face about 4 inches from the meter to be able to see it and try to write down the numbers.   And then reassemble gas meter box.  

Now I expect this wouldn't be as much of a problem for many people but bad knees and poor eyesight with thick varifocal glasses doesn't help.  If it's raining I won't be attempting the gas meter at all.  

So that's my excuses.  So I could ask them to send meter readings themselves though I assume I'd be the one deconstructing the electric meter cupboard still.  And I doubt they would do it very regularly - every few months at most.  

But if the tariff is a simple fixed one does it make a difference if there are readings only once every quarter or so?  Obviously I will tell the provider why should they ask.  

MikeJXE

My gas meter is on the floor outside and no way could I read it so I take photo and expand it, same with the electric which is in a cupboard 

Rodders53

Yep camera phone or similar will do it - even so you'd still need to procure access and press buttons

BUT I believe the smart meter In-Home Display (IHD) may be able to show you the meters' readings. 
Mine certainly does, although I only have electric meter (kerosene heating). 

Also sign up to Hugo or similar and see if your meters are still sending data out to the DCC https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/ --- if so kick your supplier to sort their data connection to it.  

Naming new supplier may allow some in the know to comment further?

Brie

Rodders53 said:

Yep camera phone or similar will do it - even so you'd still need to procure access and press buttons

BUT I believe the smart meter In-Home Display (IHD) may be able to show you the meters' readings. 
Mine certainly does, although I only have electric meter (kerosene heating). 

Also sign up to Hugo or similar and see if your meters are still sending data out to the DCC https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/ --- if so kick your supplier to sort their data connection to it.  

Naming new supplier may allow some in the know to comment further?

OutFoxTheMarket

No IHD, never had one, don't even know what one looks like.  It's never been needed and I'm not going to improve my routine of turning off lights when I leave a room by having one so have never understood why they seem so popular.  And Hugo seems to be for a smart phone so that's not an option.  

So back to the question - does it make a difference if readings are only taken quarterly? Or even less??

Scot_39

Brie said:

Yes I know the standard line is to always supply readings but let's put that aside.

I've recently switched provider and unbeknownst to me they can't take readings via a smart meter as the previous supplier had.  So they have asked that I give them monthly readings to keep things accurate.  Completely sensible.  

But.  To give them an electric reading I have to practically dismantle the cupboard the meter is in to enable me to see the meter.  And then remantle (is that a word?) the cupboard afterwards.  For the gas I have to go outside, find a way to open the gas meter box, get my face about 4 inches from the meter to be able to see it and try to write down the numbers.   And then reassemble gas meter box.  

Now I expect this wouldn't be as much of a problem for many people but bad knees and poor eyesight with thick varifocal glasses doesn't help.  If it's raining I won't be attempting the gas meter at all.  

So that's my excuses.  So I could ask them to send meter readings themselves though I assume I'd be the one deconstructing the electric meter cupboard still.  And I doubt they would do it very regularly - every few months at most.  

But if the tariff is a simple fixed one does it make a difference if there are readings only once every quarter or so?  Obviously I will tell the provider why should they ask.  

The fix just means the unit rate won't be charged at the wrong p/kWh.  So e.g. c28, c24.5 last 2 sr electric caps - getting it 3.5p out - but doesn't stop being billed or not the whole 28 or 24.5p  or for gas 7.2p/6p 1.2p difference etc

But like variable it doesn't stop you over and under paying for the actual error in estimated units at intermediate billing points if from estimates.  It can run into £100s or £1000s over years in some cases.

Have you asked why your new supplier cannot reliably read your smart meters ?

How long since switch ?

Have you tried an app or site like n3rgy.com to see if dcc comms or the supplier at issue.

Have you got an ihd - it will generally show gas and total electric if single rate (I'm on e10, i need to go to meter to get peak and off peak register readings on mine)

If you physically struggle to read - but a healthy person could - and your supplier cannot get the smart readings -  have you considered if you then might qualify for the priority service register ?

My mum was on it as aged - arthritis and eyesight - put her in wheelchair in end - gas floor level, electric ceiling, couldnt read either herself - so got both meters read regularly - at least annually.

victor2

If you know your usual annual usage, which may be indicated on your last statement with actual readings in it, and your usage pattern hasn't dramatically changed, you can make a pretty good estimate of what your cost will be by the end of the current fixed tariff. Make sure you are paying enough each month to cover that.
But you should chase your supplier to get the smart meters connected to the DCC, so that they can get readings. Either that or ask them to replace your meters with smart ones that actually work.
Alternatively, can you make a little "window" in your current electricity meter box so that you can read or photograph the meter without dismantling the cupboard? The outside gas meter will be tougher as they usually require a button to be pressed before they can be read. Maybe a mirror and camera will make it a bit easier to read?

If you want to see if there's any meter data with the DCC, you can register with n3rgy online (doesn't need an app).

mebu60

Don't know about Outfox but my partner regularly 'forgets' to send monthly readings to Octopus, they just use an estimate which resolves itself when she sends in readings every 2-3 months. She pays set amount monthly by DD. Can't imagine your proposed way of doing things be an issue. But I would suggest taking readings on the day of any change of tariff. And perhaps not too long a gap in the more high usage period. 

400ixl

I wouldn't leave it more than quarterly to know that my billing was accurate. If it is truely that much hassle and using a phone camera could not capture an image more easily then that may be the practical balance.

RG2015

Is there a danger in estimated readings when on a fixed rate?

I don't think there is any danger although you are in the best position to judge this. For example, do you have at least a year's history readily to hand from your previous bills? This will enable you to see how accurate your supplier's estimates are.

The worst that can happen is that they overcharge or undercharge you. Again, it is up to you to judge the risk.

I am sad enough to micro manage stuff like this so I would hate anything being wrong. But I guess an annual check would ensure you avoid any excessive variations.

And also, if your tariff is linked to the the energy price cap then a reading on 1/4, 1/7, 1/10 and 1/1 would be advisable. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Brie said:

But if the tariff is a simple fixed one does it make a difference if there are readings only once every quarter or so?  Obviously I will tell the provider why should they ask.  

I can't see any real problem with this, unless your usage habits were to change drastically for any reason.  Obviously if you were just not going to provide readings at all that wouldn't be a good idea, but you'd think quarterly should be alright.

Marksfish

victor2 said:

If you want to see if there's any meter data with the DCC, you can register with n3rgy online (doesn't need an app).

How do you do that without an IHD? I just looked as Hugo isn't getting any info from my electric meter and it won't let me sign up without a IHD MAC, which mine doesn't have.