Airtricity overcharging?

bazza76dub

I just got my latest Bill from Airtricity.
My last bill totalled 256 euro for 2 months.
My new latest bill is a whopping 480 Euro :mad:
Consider this now, we have electric heaters, don't use them as much now since the weather improved too.
There is absolutely no way we have almost doubled the amount of electricity we have been using, absolutely no chance at all.
If anything we have used less because the heaters are not on as much and our washer dryer was broken for a while.
I live with my wife in an apartment, have no kids and are not at home much during the day, we only heat individual rooms as we need them etc...

How can this happen?
Is there anything I can do about this, I will no doubt be calling them in the morning to complain contest this latest bill.
Anyone else have any advice or experience of this sort of thing with Airtricity?

TheDriver

Is it estimated?

wannabecop

yeah mate one bill probably estimated so next one should be right just check ur meter reading if they pretty close its rite

bazza76dub

TheDriver wrote: »

Is it estimated?

I didn't give a meter reading this month if that is what you mean mate

wannabecop wrote: »

yeah mate one bill probably estimated so next one should be right just check ur meter reading if they pretty close its rite

So if I go out and check my meter against it I will be able to tell if it is right?

bazza76dub

what am I looking out for exactly on the meter reading?

bazza76dub

On my new bill it is saying the amount of units I have used is almost twice as much as the previous bill when conditions were much colder and we had the heating on a lot more. It is impossible.

wannabecop

basically the meter counts the units so if u take the reading u have now and compare with the one on the bill if there is a small difference its what u have used since ur bill came out if its higher on the bill than the meter they owe u the unit rate x the difference but normally ur next bill will sort it out. o and it will defo be aout a little if u didnt give a reading as they just guess what its at but it will be sorted when they do take one or u submit one

bazza76dub

wannabecop wrote: »

basically the meter counts the units so if u take the reading u have now and compare with the one on the bill if there is a small difference its what u have used since ur bill came out if its higher on the bill than the meter they owe u the unit rate x the difference but normally ur next bill will sort it out. o and it will defo be aout a little if u didnt give a reading as they just guess what its at but it will be sorted when they do take one or u submit one

Sorted, what you mean by that exactly mate, sorted as in my next bill will not be so high, or sorted they will take the difference off.

TheDriver

you can submit your own reading now if its substantially lower then they could send you a new revised bill, otherwise you pay the full amount now and the next bill will take all that into account and be very small.
How to read meters: Its all on their website with pictures

dudara

The first thing you need to do is look at your bill. Find the section with the meter readings and look for the letters after the readings.

The following is taken from the Airtricity website

The back of your bill contains a section called Usage Details. Here you will find the meter reads used to calculate your bill.
(A) after the reading indicates an actual meter reading
(E) after the reading indicates an estimated reading
(C) after the reading indicates a reading supplied by you


You'll notice the Usage Details can include up to three reads:
Previous Reading: Your bill is calculated from this reading.
Interim Reading: any actual meter reads received during your billing period will be included here.
Present Reading: your bill is calculated up to this meter reading.

If the letter is (E), that means that Airtricity could not read it themselves and they estimated yourt usage. If that's the case, then you need to get out to your meter and read it yourself.

If the letter is (A), then that means they read the meter (but it's no harm to doublecheck yourself). This month's high bill means that previous bills were probably estimated and when they took the meter reading, the previous underbilling was corrected.

Check the bill and go read your meter. Until you do that, there is no point in contacting Airtricity.

The simple fact is that the utility companies rarely overcharge. More often that not, big bills are due to people letting estimated readings build rather than reading the meter themselves and verifying that bills are accurate.

wannabecop

if this ones too high the next one will be small but overall you will only pay for the units u used

Mpower85

wow thats a big bill! what annoys me is i was tryin to cut them but it would have cost me 300 euro if i did! so i said i stick with them i got a bill last week and it was 108 euro which is actually ok as i was having a fit as the lads in the house are very fond of the dryer! rang them last week to send me out a smartcard and im still fecking waitin rang them 3 days ago and no one never bothered to order it so now they have it orderd!

cavancola73

Hi there

My parent which is a widow and who recieves a social welfare discount for her electricity got a bill last week for nearly 280euro, she never got a bill like that before and even with the discount of 80euro off this is still very high for the month of january to march....the last bill for the colder months was just 160euro wit the discount of 80euro...which seems more normal.

we only switched over to airtricity cause we heard they were cheaper etc but this si ridicious.

tried ringing them but typically no one answers and you left hanging on the line for ages and no answer to emails!!

unless we get some sort of answer we will be going back to the ESB.

all replies welcome

neilthefunkeone

Thats sucks.. Are your bills estimated or can your meter be read outside? how many units are you being charged for? Double check that the meter reading is the same on the bill..

Offy

cavancola73 wrote: »

Hi there

My parent which is a widow and who recieves a social welfare discount for her electricity got a bill last week for nearly 280euro, she never got a bill like that before and even with the discount of 80euro off this is still very high for the month of january to march....the last bill for the colder months was just 160euro wit the discount of 80euro...which seems more normal.

we only switched over to airtricity cause we heard they were cheaper etc but this si ridicious.

tried ringing them but typically no one answers and you left hanging on the line for ages and no answer to emails!!

unless we get some sort of answer we will be going back to the ESB.

all replies welcome

I switched to Airtricity some time ago now because I also heard they were cheaper than ESB. The unit cost is slightly cheaper but the standing charge costs a lot more than ESB. Overall I found them more expensive so I recently changed to Bord Gáis to try and get away from high electric bills.

cavancola73

actually i did do a meter reading about two weeks ago and submitted it online.....also the normal ESB guy i think came around in febuary so cud we have been done on a double meter reading????

we really want to get this sorted and i wish some of that Airtricity lot wud responed or they will be in for a hard time...

dilallio

More than likely previous bills were estimated on the low side.

In a previous thread, Dudara summarises it very well. Have a look here.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=71344800&postcount=10

jor el

cavancola73 wrote: »

actually i did do a meter reading about two weeks ago and submitted it online.....also the normal ESB guy i think came around in febuary so cud we have been done on a double meter reading????

No, you couldn't. The bil is calculated by subtracting the previous reading from the current one (with the current being the most recent).

cavancola73 wrote: »

we really want to get this sorted and i wish some of that Airtricity lot wud responed or they will be in for a hard time...

You need to check what the previous reading was, and what the current reading is. If the current reading is accurate, which it likely will since both you and the ESB checked it, and if this is the same as what's on the bill then the bill is correct. You don't need Airtricity to respond, all you need to do is check two numbers.

If the reading is right, then the bill is right, and there's nothing you an do about it.

dudara

Threads merged as they are essentially the same topic.

dudara

cavancola73

do anyone have a number that Airtricity actually answer the call?

Oafley Jones

Got our first Airtricity bill last week - 590euro. Rang up and they said that it was an estimate an they actual cost was 290euro -which is quite the difference. Still higher than we used to ever pay but it could be right with underestimation from ESB. The thing is i've been hearing that this enthusiastic first billing is not that uncommon. So much so that I've concerns whether this is deliberate practice.

cavancola73

well if it is a deliberate practice i can't see too many putting up with it.....spent most of the day trying to ring them with no answer jsut a stupid waiting tune about how much costs they are saving us...and will not respond to email or phone back from their website....just seems once they have you on board they doin't give a shie....

well looks like il be giving the ESB a call soon.....bad in all they are least they asswer the phone...

jor el

Deliberate practice to do what exactly? Over charge you on one bill, only to have it corrected at the next actual reading (at which point you will pay less, having already pre-paid for units that were not used).

This topic comes up on an almost weekly basis, and the result is inevitably the same. One bill has an estimated reading, that is too low, but you happily pay this lower amount and never correct or complain about it. Then, on the next accurate reading you get an unusually high bill because you have previously not been paying for your usage. Suddenly it's over charges and illegal activities, and how can they get away with this obviously deliberate action.

You can read your meter at any time, and submit that reading to your provider. When you get a bill, it states whether the reading is Actual, Estimated, or Customer supplied, by appending the bolded initial to the meter reading. The majority of people don't bother to read or notice this, until they get a correct bill that is, then it's hells bells, conspiracy theories and you can't wait to switch provider.

In the end, you will pay for the exact electricity you use. Whether that means paying less now and more later, or more now and less later, or the correct amount at all times. Why is this? Because it's metered, that's why. Whatever is on the meter right now is what you have used. And if you haven't paid for the appropriate amount up until now, then just read the meter, and you'll know exactly how much you owe. If you don't, then they will eventually, and you'll pay for what you've used. There is no need to contact your provider, or change provider. All you need to do is read the meter.

You should also note that it is ESB Networks that read all meters, regardless of who you pay your bill to. They will only read the actual meter up to 4 times per year, which means you will get at least 2 estimated readings. The estimated readings are also provided by ESB Networks, based on the actual historical usage at your premises, and other seasonal adjustments.

ZENER

I think that's a little bit harsh ! I don't think the poster is disputing the amount of electricity used, instead their problem is Airtricity's lack of understanding of peoples circumstances. 590 euro coming out in one lump from your account may leave a situation where other bills go unpaid. All this because Airtricity seem to estimate the bill lower for a few months to try to convince you there are real savings before hitting you with the adjusted bill and taking a large sum of money !!

I had a similar situation with Clearwire a few years back where they took over 360 euro in one lump from my account without warning.

Ken

jor el

ZENER wrote: »

All this because Airtricity seem to estimate the bill lower

This is the main cusp of the problem. Whenever someone is on the receiving end of one of these bills, they immediately think that this is all Airtricity's doing, and that it is not an isolated incident, rather that it is the norm. ESB Networks do all the readings, Airtricity just send a bill based on their numbers.

Airtricity do inform you that you can submit a reading yourself, and they also have a service where they text or email you when it's time to submit a reading. It also states on the bill whether the reading is true or estimated. It's time people stopped blaming the supplier, and start looking to their own responsibilities. As I said, they're happy to pay the lower than accurate bill for months on end, and will blissfully ignore the fact that they will eventually have to correct for that.

Jemmy

Lads your with ESB for yrs before and they had years & years of reads to est on, your all just p*issed now bcoz you have to pay more attention to your bills & its not done for you. If your able to log on here & moan your able to log onto their site & give reads like alot of us. Plus they are open from 8AM to 7PM try ringing at quieter times if your having trouble getting through, I've had no trouble at all with them.

Offy wrote: »

I switched to Airtricity some time ago now because I also heard they were cheaper than ESB. The unit cost is slightly cheaper but the standing charge costs a lot more than ESB. Overall I found them more expensive so I recently changed to Bord Gáis to try and get away from high electric bills.

The standing charge is set by the CER so that would be the same either way!
They did go up in the new year tho afaik.

ZENER wrote: »

590 euro coming out in one lump from your account may leave a situation where other bills go unpaid.

Sure like all companies they give you time beofre they take the DD to question it.

Catalpa1

The standing charge is set by the CER so that would be the same either way!
They did go up in the new year tho afaik.

ESB Networks have a sort of standard standing charge for the residential market.whcih is what is used by Bord Gais and ESB Supply Airtricitys standing charge is different (higher not by a huge amount if I recall) if you listen (carefully) to their ad you'll hear
"standing charges may vary from other suppliers)

Oafley Jones

Following on from the above. Checked the bank balance today and money hadn't been refunded as promised - it should have been in two days ago. Instead we've a credit on the airtricity account for the money owed. Not happy.

Ana36

I just got a gas bill from airtricity today. My third one since I got changed over to gas last August. They told me before Christmas that my although my electricity could be estimated, my gas would be an actual reading every time. This is totally untrue as they did an actual reading this month and sent me out a bill over 4 times my normal bill! I have been living here for three and a half years and never received a bill like it! Defo think there's something fishy about it. Will contact them tomorrow and give them an earful! Totally ridiculous. Think I will change over to bord gais if this continues! Is there anyone that consumers could complain to about this mad form of billing? After all, aren't we paying them for a service? Surely we should be getting a more decent one! Raging!

discostu1

Hi Ana 36 if you have no luck maybe CER the regulator. Are you with them for electricity and gas have they got you on a contract. If so there maybe a breakage clause.I find BGE good but ESB are back from next month and also selling gas apparently, so might be worth having a look at

Ana36

discostu1 wrote: »

Hi Ana 36 if you have no luck maybe CER the regulator. Are you with them for electricity and gas have they got you on a contract. If so there maybe a breakage clause.I find BGE good but ESB are back from next month and also selling gas apparently, so might be worth having a look at

I was going to change to their "20%" off gas next winter but I don't think I will now unless I get a satisfactory response tomorrow when I call them

dilallio

Ana36 wrote: »

I was going to change to their "20%" off gas next winter but I don't think I will now unless I get a satisfactory response tomorrow when I call them

If you wish to log a complaint with CER, be aware that you will first need to log a complaint with your supplier.

CER will ask for the supplier complaint ref no, and the name of the person who you were dealing with. This may save you from having to ring Eirtricity back for this info.

Le Graduate

bazza76dub wrote: »

I just got my latest Bill from Airtricity.
My last bill totalled 256 euro for 2 months.
My new latest bill is a whopping 480 Euro :mad:
Consider this now, we have electric heaters, don't use them as much now since the weather improved too.
There is absolutely no way we have almost doubled the amount of electricity we have been using, absolutely no chance at all.
If anything we have used less because the heaters are not on as much and our washer dryer was broken for a while.
I live with my wife in an apartment, have no kids and are not at home much during the day, we only heat individual rooms as we need them etc...

How can this happen?
Is there anything I can do about this, I will no doubt be calling them in the morning to complain contest this latest bill.
Anyone else have any advice or experience of this sort of thing with Airtricity?

I know you posted this last month but the process being the process you will still be waiting to find out why your bill is so high.

I can see from a number of other respondents quotes that your bill will be 'sorted' on your next bill. I believe this 'sorting' is called a time switch adjustment calculation and it is a very accurate way to establish whether you were overcharged.

What I suggest you to do is put your complaint in writing to Airtricity (phone calls don't count for very much) and they MUST reply with an acknowledgement within 10 working days upon receipt of your complaint.After that they will attempt to resolve it as soon as possible.

If they don't contact you within 12 days contact the Commission for Energy Regulation as they cannot deal with a complaint until you have put the complaint in black and white to your supplier.

FYI: ESB Networks (the network operator) are the company who read your meter and they aim to do so 3-4 times a year and note that I say aim. If it is a case of your meter over clocking units you must contact ESB Networks.

Hope this helps.

Le Graduate

dudara wrote: »

If the letter is (E), that means that Airtricity could not read it themselves and they estimated yourt usage. If that's the case, then you need to get out to your meter and read it yourself.

Just to note Airtricity do not read your meter ESB Networks do that's why you have a standing charge on your bill as it pays for that service amongst other services.

Le Graduate

I suggest you write to them before switching back just yet.What I suggest you to do is put your complaint in writing to Airtricity and they MUST reply with an acknowledgement within 10 working days upon receipt of your complaint.After that they will attempt to resolve it as soon as possible.

Le Graduate

Put your complaint in writing to Airtricity and they MUST reply with an acknowledgement within 10 working days upon receipt of your complaint.After that they will attempt to resolve it as soon as possible.

If they don't contact you within 12 days contact the Commission for Energy Regulation as they cannot deal with a complaint until you have put the complaint in black and white to your supplier.

Dublin_Gunner

Well I just noticed a DD from Airtricity for €286

I never received a bill beforehand, never received an e-mail or text to say it was online (though I cannot actually log in as they've never sent me my acc no.)

I'm assuming its estimated, but what can I do about this? Surely they cannot charge without first providing a bill????

discostu1

I'm assuming its estimated, but what can I do about this? Surely they cannot charge without first providing a bill????

Judging by your email I think they just did.
Get your facts together and ring them.
One of the aunts got a new price tariff from ESB durng the week and she got a letter this morning confirming details on page two there is a secton called direct debit guarantee and it has the following paragraph,

" If an error is made by ESB Electric Ireland or your Bank you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid."

I presume that this must apply to all direct debits but with Airtricity maybe that is a big assumption

cavancola73

well we got a similliar bill and it was a nightmare trying to get through to airtricity!! eventually after several calls and emails a customer service agent called, anyway after telling her their customer service was crap, it appeared the bill was estimated even though the ESB man had taken a reading in feb and i took one on march, the fact is its up to the customer to take and submit meter readings themselves, and i was advised my next bill will be half the current bill......will be waiting to see or think il be switching back to the ESB.

Jemmy

Dublin_Gunner wrote: »

Well I just noticed a DD from Airtricity for €286

I never received a bill beforehand, never received an e-mail or text to say it was online (though I cannot actually log in as they've never sent me my acc no.)

I'm assuming its estimated, but what can I do about this? Surely they cannot charge without first providing a bill????

Sure just file an indemnity claim with your bank

Le Graduate

Dublin_Gunner wrote: »

Well I just noticed a DD from Airtricity for €286

I never received a bill beforehand, never received an e-mail or text to say it was online (though I cannot actually log in as they've never sent me my acc no.)

I'm assuming its estimated, but what can I do about this? Surely they cannot charge without first providing a bill????

Have you contacted Airtricity yet?

Don't try and block and direct debit payments just yet as if you do they will see this as breaking a payment plan and ask for you to provide a €300 security deposit.

As I said before put it in writing to them before the next billing cycle.

foggy_lad

Dublin_Gunner wrote: »

Well I just noticed a DD from Airtricity for €286

I never received a bill beforehand, never received an e-mail or text to say it was online (though I cannot actually log in as they've never sent me my acc no.)

I'm assuming its estimated, but what can I do about this? Surely they cannot charge without first providing a bill????

You can get your bank to stop the direct debit or refund it immediately as airtricity must give notice of all charges before thay are allowed take anything from your account.

Le Graduate wrote: »

Have you contacted Airtricity yet?

Don't try and block and direct debit payments just yet as if you do they will see this as breaking a payment plan and ask for you to provide a €300 security deposit.

As I said before put it in writing to them before the next billing cycle.

In this case because the company are failing to honour the direct debit rules they will not be in a good position to ask for any deposit, The op should tell them the direct debit will be reinstated when they get a written undertaking that this will not happen again and that if it does a goodwill payment will be made.

i had the same problem with bord gais as they are not sending their bills out on time so after two surprise debits on my avccount i stopped the direct debit, customer care said i would be charged the dposit until i asked for a written undertaking from them to provide adequate notice of charges in line with the direct debit scheme they were instructing me to use, the deposit was not mentioned or charged since then.

ste2010

Im also having a nightmare with airtricty since I joined them. Billing periods changing here and there massive bill amounts Ive never seen before. I cant explain my savings and have asked them to and they dont seem to be giving me the detailed picture...
I disputed and asked for monthly breakdowns noting my savings on other suppliers which I have not received in my requested detail...Issue is going on over mth now, there customer service is dreadful in my opinion, there complaints management also and responses to emails, phone calls are very unsatisfactory. I bounced back the direct debit that was under dispute. 3rd bill ranging from 250 > 450 euro
According to directdebit rules on IPSO.ie an originator cannot debit payments that are under dispute and originator must provide you with sufficient notice before the debit is made. debit stil lcame out
BAsed on my experieince with them they seem out their depth!
Just to note I am more than willing to pay my bill, but I want proof in my savings...if I dont get it I dont pay..I should be charging for the hours of time they have wasted on me!