Electricity problem

[Barmaid]

Not entirely sure where to post this so here goes.

My elderly grandparents (86 and 85) have lived in their property for 20 years. Their electricity is on two different rates - a day rate and a night economy 7 rate. For years, they have used more at night (because they put their night storage heaters on during the night to store the electricity for their heating). Recently, they had a new meter installed and at the same time some new people moved in next door to their semi detached property.

Historically, their usage on the day rate and the night rate has been consistent. However, recently, their usage on the day rate has shot up and their usage on the night rate has shot down. This means that their electricity bill has increased dramatically. On the October 2010 bill (before new meter) the usage for the previous 12 months was 10949kw and the estimate for electricity for the next 12 months was £799. On the latest bill dated Jan 2011 the usage for the last 12 months was 18000kw. The estimate for the next 12 months is now approx £2,300.

Cont'd

[sherrardk]

Just remembered, they might get help having central heating installed, draft proofing, etc if they are on a limited income (they can get a grant up to about £3500). You can get information about it on the direct gov site - think the scheme is called Warm Front. It takes a while but it woudn't cost a penny if they we eligible and would probably cut their bills (if you can't get them reduced).

[Barmaid]

Thank you all - I've sent the Energy Ombudsman phone number, Naz's link and the Age Concern suggestion to mum. She'll take up the cudgels (she's even more scary than I am on the warpath).

It just makes me mad that you can't talk to anyone with a brain from these places. And how can a frugal 80 odd year old couple use nearly as much as an extravagent pair of idiots who are incapable of turning anything off?! These guys use their electricity like it is a precious gift - we use it without a thought. (Terrible I know).

[joko]

similar thing happened to me...they wanted to charge for the visit...i said since next door have moved in the bill has shot up... they came an looked an they said a short was arc-ing and making the electricity meter spin...
it would have been very easy for the neighbours to tap in based on the location etc

as a test, at night when tthe neighbours are definitely in and have lights on etc - read the meter...turn everything off - even the freezer, for about half an hour or whatver, and then read it again...see if its been used at all...or if you have one you can see moving just see if there is any change in number readings...

i did that but actually found that even when i left my own lights on the meter didnt spin...so still not really sure...

[NazNomad]

... and they have you by the cojones, because you need what they're peddling ... bastards.

[DTCwordfan]

Keep all correspondence and a diary of events and what was said.

One 'ultimatum' tactic is to threaten to take this to (i) your local press (ii) national press.......they do not like this.

Before this, I would recommend writing a well constructed and non-emotional (well minimum emotion) to the CEO of your supplier.....and Fedex it in to his/her office - obviously specifying their name - he or his secretary has to sign for it - not some t-wat in the lower levels of the company.

Folk have mentioned Age Concern - if it comes to it (i.e. they are becoming more threatening) I can offer you a lawyer from Help the Aged who I know....she specialises more in probates and wills but I am sure she can push you in the right direction.

Who is your supplier? I can zap the name of the CEO for you in two minutes....

[Eve]

Can't add much to the above save to suggest contacting Watchdog as well as they tend to be interested in consumer stories, especially those affecting the vulnerable.

I think someone mentioned it above but I'd be tempted to try a period when the property is unoccupied with everything switched off (unless fridge/freezer etc... a problem) and see how much electricity manages to clock up in that time if you can get a reading for that specific period? Do they fancy a couple of days away?

[Barmaid]

Others have posted since my last post - thank you DT - I'll also send that on to mum (when I've have a ganders).

I sound posh until I get riled Ummm, then I am just a santimonious cow. Although, funnily enough, they had an issue with their insurance company a couple of years back when they were burgled and the insurance company refused to pay out. Grandad gave me and mum authority to write on his behalf - mum initially dealt with it until she went on holiday and then I had to take up the cudgels. I didn't say too much, but thereafter they paid out and sent Nanna a big bouquet for being such utter Mangetouts.

[DTCwordfan]

jenna's idea is a good one - but get the switch off reading and return reading witnessed if possible. (Plus digi camera shots of the readings).

[Old Salt]

Good evening Barmaid,

I am a retired computer field service engineer. Quality and quantity of electricity was a constant argument when I was in the business. Whenever an argument would begin between the customer and the electricity board, I would install a mains analyser for a week or two; making sure someone checked the print outs daily and always kept a close eye on the roll-of-paper.

At the end of that timeframe, we would sit down and look at what was happening and at what time it occured.

Get a reputable and someone (electical) you feel you can trust to help find a good electrical contractor who will help you determine if the meter is accurate. And be sure the equipment he or she uses has a paper printout. It will provide documented evidence. That is the only way you will make the electricity board listen

Good Luck

Old Salt

[mazie]

Dont mean to make light of this Barmaid, but a story from my very funny and feisty Aunt. She moved home and on receiving her first gas bill nearly died of shock. She rang the gas company and explained that she was a pensioner and was extremely distressed by the amount they wanted her to pay as she had only just moved in.... The women and the other end of the phone said "please calm down, and, please don't anything silly. My Aunt said " well one things for sure I'm not going to f*cking gas myself at these rates"

[Barmaid]

DT - I probably know your mate from HtA (I used to work with a Wills and Probate lawyer from there very closely - it's my area and I cut my teeth working in the charities). I suspect she would know me (if not personally, by reputation!). Company is "greedy grabbing ignorant stupid unsympathetic barsteward". Sorry, I meant E'On.

Nice idea to switch everything off and see how the meter performs. I could never get them to go away for a couple of days, but could easily persuade them out to lunch for a couple of hours (switching everything off first though).

[Barmaid]

Old Salt - that's a good one too. I think my brother knows the right people (he also knows the "wrong" people!!!!).

Mazie, I laughed.

Eddie - if they are tapped in pre meter, will turning the mains off work? Does it depend on where they are potentially tapped in?

Thank you all. Mum is up to speed now and I'll leave it with her for now. You've given us some great ideas so thanks and I'll update you when I can.

[NazNomad]

if they're tapped in pre-meter, it should have no effect.

The whole street is on the same pre-meter supply.

[DTCwordfan]

Barmaid - what a small world. Her brother, also a solicitor, is my closest mate from Uni days - we are mutual godfathers to each other's kids. A certain unmarried person perhaps?

[Barmaid]

If she is in charge of Legacies and her initails are KH I do know her!!!

[jamesnan]

My daughter had this type of rates in the house she rented, after having astronomically high bills she called them in, once again, and this time they actually did a check to see if the meters had been wired up correctly. They were wrong, which meant that the day time usage was on the cheap rate, and vice versa. She asked for, and received a rebate for money overcharged.

[DTCwordfan]

Yes that is her Barmaid.....give her a bell if this develops - I hope it doesnt though.

[starone]

I worked for the local electricity board for a number of years about thirty years ago. When we decided to have central heating put in I decided right away not to have the off peak system from the electricity board because I knew how much it cost and how inefficient it is. How foolish a system is which uses electricity all night when you are in bed and don't need it and then when you need it during the day lets out the heat whether you are there or not so that by the evening when you need it the house is cold and you have to use a back up fire which is even more expensive. I chose a system which is easily controllable and thus cheaper - gas. You can turn it on and off whenever you need it. This also applies to oil, but I believe oil to be more expensive and you also need a container to store it. Gas is there on tap. Maybe it is too late for your parents to change but from working there I know you must keep complaining until someone comes to investigate.