Meter Reading Investigation

Meter reading is an essential part of managing electricity consumption and ensuring accurate billing for customers. Occasionally, discrepancies or issues may arise that require a meter reading investigation. However, you should take a proactive approach to investigate potential energy losses within your property before requesting a meter reading investigation can be beneficial. It is important to note that we cannot credit for the usage that has already been billed and consumed from the meter. Therefore, it is crucial to address any consumption discrepancies at an early stage to avoid unnecessary charges.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Turn off the main switchboard: By turning off the main switchboard, you can observe if the meter continues to register usage. If the meter still shows consumption even when all power is switched off, it could indicate a potential issue with a crossed connection or unauthorized connection, where someone may be tapping into the electrical supply without permission.

2. Assess major appliances' usage patterns:   Check if you have added a new appliance recently and/or monitor the energy consumption of your major appliances and compare it to the overall usage. You can do this by checking the energy usage data provided by the appliances themselves or by using energy monitoring devices. If you notice a significant disparity between the energy consumed by specific appliances and the overall usage, it may indicate that those appliances are consuming excessive energy.

3. Check hot water cylinders: Pay attention to the usage patterns of your hot water cylinder. If it is running for longer hours than necessary, it could contribute to increased energy consumption. Consider adjusting the settings or timing to optimize its operation and reduce energy waste.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into potential energy losses within your property and identify any excessive energy consumption. This proactive approach can help you avoid unnecessary wait times for a meter reading investigation and prevent "no fault found" fees if the issue is not related to the meter itself.

When is a technician arranged for a Meter Reading Investigation?

If you have followed the steps above and you still have concerns or discrepancies regarding the accuracy of meter readings, we can request the meter asset company to send a technician for a Meter Reading Investigation. Meter Reading Investigation involves a thorough examination of the meter, its readings, and energy flow, as well as any factors that may affect the accuracy of the recorded data.

Request types for a Meter Reading Investigation:

There are several reasons why a meter reading investigation may be necessary. Customers can choose from the following three request types based on the nature of their concern:

Load Test: This request type is chosen when you suspect that someone has stolen power by connecting to your meter without authorization. It may be due to unusually high, inconsistent usage patterns that occur suddenly

Meter Fault: This request type is chosen when you suspect that the meter is not accurately measuring the electricity consumption. It may be due to unusually high or low readings, inconsistent usage patterns, or other factors that suggest a potential issue with the meter's performance.

Crossed Connection: In situations where you suspect that your meter readings are affected by a crossed connection, meaning that your meter is measuring the consumption of another unit or property. This request type is selected when there are discrepancies in the consumption patterns or unexpected changes in readings that cannot be explained by your usage alone.

The Meter Reading Investigation Process:

Here are the general steps involved in a meter reading investigation:

Customer Request: The investigation process begins when you submit a meter reading investigation request, specifying the type of request - load test, meter fault, or crossed connection. You can submit your request here.

Inspection: Depending on the nature of the request, a qualified technician may visit your premises to conduct an on-site inspection. This involves examining the meter, connections, and any associated equipment to identify potential issues. The technician may also take the meter and install a temporary meter to send it to the lab for testing or further investigation. Data analysis and comparison at different locations will help identify discrepancies.

Testing and Analysis: If a meter fault or crossed connection is suspected, the technician will perform tests and measurements to diagnose the problem. Testing may be conducted to evaluate the meter's accuracy under different load conditions.

Resolution and Communication: Once the meter reading investigation is complete, the meter asset company will communicate the findings and proposed solutions to you. If a meter fault is confirmed, the meter will be repaired or replaced free of charge. However, if a meter fault is not found, or if the fault was caused by factors other than the meter itself, you may be charged for the investigation.