Howdy!
Thanks for stopping by. This thread seems to be
similar to your other one, so I've decided to answer using this thread to keep things tidy. I'll ask a moderator to merge the threads later for you. Just as a heads up, I can't access your account or make changes so I can't see exactly what's happening here. I can definitely try to offer some help and advice though.
That does seem an awfully big jump even if I factor in things like current energy prices and the fact you'd use more in the winter. That bill is also more than quadruple the last bill a friend of mine had this week, and they're in a one bed flat!
There's a couple of things I'd like to try, but I'll need your help if that's OK. Firstly, please could you post some photos of your meter(s) and everything close to them. Feel free to cover up or hide anything that might be personal info though to protect your privacy. This helps me to figure out what you've got so that I can give you the right advice.
For now though, I suspect a Creep Test is probably a good idea. This will help you to identify if there's a possible meter fault and go from there. Before you get started, please safely shut down and turn off any sensitive electronics/electricals to protect them, such as computers, games consoles, TVs, Wi-Fi Router, Smart Home gadgets and the like. You can leave the fridge and freezer on though, so don't worry about spoiling anything. I also recommend leaving a few lights on, so that you can tell when the test is done. Since this involves cutting all the power, I'd recommend doing this only during daylight hours unless you have a torch handy.
Once that's done, here's what you'll need to do to perform the test.
- Locate your electric meter and fuse box/consumer unit
- Take a meter reading from the electric meter and note it down
- Turn off all the power to your flat entirely
- Observe the electric meter for about five minutes, keeping an eye out for any red flashing lights or the display - this indicates usage being clocked and recorded
- After five minutes, take another reading and note it down
- Turn the power back on
- Compare the two meter readings
Given that you turned off the entire power to the flat during the test, both the readings should either be basically the same or extremely close. If they are, then this indicates that the meter isn't faulty and the issue lies elsewhere. If however, the readings are different - especially if the meter kept clocking during the test - then it's likely that your meter is faulty and a Meter Accuracy Test is needed. You can request one by contacting customer service, but it will cost you around £160 upfront. There's two things that can happen from here.
- If the Meter Accuracy Test confirms the meter is not faulty, you'll forfeit the test fee as it won't be refunded and your bills will remain valid. This is why it's important to at least do a Creep Test before requesting a MAT.
- If the Meter Accuracy Test confirms the meter is faulty, you'll get the test fee refunded in full, the meter will be replaced and your bills will be regenerated to more accurately reflect your what actual meter readings would have been if the meter hadn't developed a fault. If the meter was clocking too slowly, you won't have to pay any extra, but if it was clocking too fast, you'll get a refund for the difference.
The other thing you want to check, is whether something's using more power than expected.
Hope this helps!
