|
|
You are here:
Get Paid to Submit Articles Click Here
Read it right
See More articles From davesabri@googlemail.com
|
Every winter energy suppliers receive thousands of complaints regarding customer electricity bills. Often the problems are caused by incorrect meter readings. There are three different types of meters in the UK. It’s important to know which one you have, how to read it and what to do if you have a complaint.
What type of meter do you have?
There are three different types of meters in the UK.
Standard meters
A standard meter is a basic electromechanical induction meter, and usually measures your electricity consumption in terms of kilowatt-hours - the amount of energy used by a load of one kilowatt over the period of one hour. When this meter is installed, all electricity units are charged at the same rate, 24 hours a day.
Variable rate meters
Variable rate meters, or “economy 7 meters” as they are sometimes called, give two readings: one for daytime usage and one for night-time electricity usage. You might have one of these meters is your energy supplier offers variable rates (for example, you may pay less for your electricity at night).
Prepayment meters
Prepayment meters are the easiest way for you to ensure that you don’t use too much electricity per month. The meter accepts cards or tokens that can be bought or topped up and when they run out…your electricity stops.
How to read meters
Numeric Display
Reading your meter is simple. If it is off the standard type, the first five figures, read from left to right, give you your energy reading.
If you have a variable rate meter, read off both sets of numbers, missing off the last number from each row.
Meter Disputes
Energy suppliers are subject to strict regulations. All meters in the UK have to be approved by Ofgem to make sure that they are accurate for billing. It is important that you check the accuracy of any meter reading that is made by your supplier and if there are any problems you should make sure that you contact them. Ofgem provides a service to test meters in the case of any irresolvable disputes.
|
Ensure you get the cheapest energy around with British Gas, on average the cheapest energy suppliers in Britain. Find great prices on energy, boiler insurance and homecare insurance online now.
Flag as inappropriate
| Comment |
|
| Share this article |
|
|
|
|
|