Smart Gas Meter Readings more than actual usage

brianposter

I will repeat my advice. If you have a totally convincing case go straight from the suppliers complaint procedure to the small claims court. Overall it is likely that you will save everybody time and money.

brianposter

Also to add that meter testing off site is a nonsense that you can quite reasonably refuse. The meter may well start working as soon as it is moved.

t0rt0ise

brianposter said:

Also to add that meter testing off site is a nonsense that you can quite reasonably refuse. The meter may well start working as soon at is removed.

This is a gas meter. Gas meters are always taken away for testing.

MeteredOut

brianposter said:

Also to add that meter testing off site is a nonsense that you can quite reasonably refuse. The meter may well start working as soon at is removed.

In what way is it "a nonsense"?

What is your suggested alternative?

brianposter

The testing is a nonsense in that the meter may start working as soon it is hit with a spanner; if there is any serious intention to test the meter it has to be done with the meter in place, and even that does not easily cover meters which behave erratically.

Basically the supplier must use the evidence supplied by the consumer or find their own evidence. In this case the OP appears to have fairly straightforward evidence in that the consumption figures are not credible and testing the meter shows it to be faulty. It no longer matters whether the meter passes or fails an off site test

Spoonie_Turtle

brianposter said:

The testing is a nonsense in that the meter may start working as soon it is hit with a spanner; if there is any serious intention to test the meter it has to be done with the meter in place, and even that does not easily cover meters which behave erratically.

Basically the supplier must use the evidence supplied by the consumer or find their own evidence. In this case the OP appears to have fairly straightforward evidence in that the consumption figures are not credible and testing the meter shows it to be faulty. It no longer matters whether the meter passes or fails an off site test

Curious to know how you think they can bring an approved lab with its carefully calibrated equipment to the customer's house.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gas-meter-accuracy-and-disputes

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/12/gas_metering_code_of_practice.pdf
Sections 23.3 and 21.5.4

I'm certain at least one member who used to work with meters said they were left on a shelf for a time (weeks or a month, I can't quite remember) before testing so that if they were temperamentally incrementing by themselves, it would show up, removing all doubt about the test occuring during a time it was behaving.

brianposter

My personal opinion is that gas and electricity suppliers should be required to have personel who can visit and examine a customers installation if they cannot otherwise get to the bottom of unusual consumption.

When a problem is first reported they should supply a guide to how to check the various factors affecting the figures and also a contact who can help with such things as "which is the on/off switch?".

As a last resort they might want to test the meter but that should be a last resort, and only because the supplier cannot understand what is happening

Gerry1

Spoonie_Turtle said:

brianposter said:

The testing is a nonsense in that the meter may start working as soon it is hit with a spanner; if there is any serious intention to test the meter it has to be done with the meter in place, and even that does not easily cover meters which behave erratically.

Basically the supplier must use the evidence supplied by the consumer or find their own evidence. In this case the OP appears to have fairly straightforward evidence in that the consumption figures are not credible and testing the meter shows it to be faulty. It no longer matters whether the meter passes or fails an off site test

Curious to know how you think they can bring an approved lab with its carefully calibrated equipment to the customer's house.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gas-meter-accuracy-and-disputes

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2020/12/gas_metering_code_of_practice.pdf
Sections 23.3 and 21.5.4

I'm certain at least one member who used to work with meters said they were left on a shelf for a time (weeks or a month, I can't quite remember) before testing so that if they were temperamentally incrementing by themselves, it would show up, removing all doubt about the test occuring during a time it was behaving.

Yes, can't find it quickly but I think it was a month.

MeteredOut

Yes, I think it was mentioned on my thread, but its too long to try find

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6452074/gas-meter-still-increasing-whilst-gas-isolated-siemens-landis-gyr-e6s

37pisntenough

brianposter said:

I will repeat my advice. If you have a totally convincing case go straight from the suppliers complaint procedure to the small claims court. Overall it is likely that you will save everybody time and money.

I completely agree with this. The Energy Ombudsman process is long winded and, in my case, flawed as the EO didn't read the complaint properly and took the suppliers view. Only on appeal did I get a decision in my favour. That took several months to go through. It would have been quicker through the small claims court.
My issue was an electricity meter that I proved was faulty (taking peak/non peak readings at the wrong times). I ended up with a significant rebill on my account (about £2000 credited).