npower (high meter readings)

[Basecoat]

Hi All

npower coming out to check my power consumption following a more than double usage of power hence a big bill £400 for last quarter. My question is are they going to charge me for checking my meter which I think has developed a fault.

I tried couple of times to call npower customer services each time I got put on hold for over 10-15 minutes. I terminated the calls due to long wait. Can someone tell me please.

 

[Steve]

Chances are, they wont charge if the meter is at fault.

They are within their rights to charge if it isn't faulty.

 

[JohnD]

look at your old bills, preferably two years worth or more. Your supplier may be able to tell you if you no longer have the old bills

Sometimes you can contact the supplier by email. You may need to register online first, using your account no off the bill.

See which meter readings are actual, and which are estimates.

A big bill often follows estimates which were too low.

Also, check your meter several times a week to see what your actual usage is now.

Have you got an immersion heater or other electric heater that has been left on?

Have you been using a tumble drier or washing machine a lot?

have you got an electric shower and a dirty teenager?

 

[Steve]

Good advice JohnD, any heating appliance that has been left on or has a faulty thermostat will burn electricity like no tomorrow.

 

[peterpumpkin]

Hi Basecoat, good luck with your lecky, I had similar problem a couple of years ago, took a meter reading every week. I bought a power monitor, (aldi are selling them now for £6.99), tried it on all my appliances, and found that the Freezer which we had had for about 25 years was using about a fivers worth of lecky a week. Bought a new one and this only cost 50p a week! I don't mind parting with me money but, I like to decide where its going!

 

[securespark]

Norweb (as was) used to fit a 2nd meterto check the first. If it was OK, they'd charge £70.00.

 

[Basecoat]

look at your old bills, preferably two years worth or more. Your supplier may be able to tell you if you no longer have the old bills

Sometimes you can contact the supplier by email. You may need to register online first, using your account no off the bill.

See which meter readings are actual, and which are estimates.

A big bill often follows estimates which were too low.

Also, check your meter several times a week to see what your actual usage is now.

Have you got an immersion heater or other electric heater that has been left on?

Have you been using a tumble drier or washing machine a lot?

have you got an electric shower and a dirty teenager?

Hi "JohnD"

Having checked my last years bills which were twice in credit once by £222.00 second time by £38.00. This was for estimated readings. Also my first and second bills for this year are not as high. I don't use immersion heater and I don't have a tumble drier. I don't have an electric shower.
I do have two teens who shower every day.

Washing machine has been used quite frequently 4 or 5 times a week. Done each and every socket testing the only appliance using bit of power is the fridge freezer.

Meter has been on the fridge freezer socket for four days and the reading in kWh is 7.98. Is this normal or the appliance in question using too much power. Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve]

Meter has been on the fridge freezer socket for four days and the reading in kWh is 7.98. Is this normal or the appliance in question using too much power. Thanks in advance.

That sounds about right.