Got Solar, old meter/units going backwards

Treppen

Firstly: I suspect this is an often asked question but I checked the FAQ list and couldn't find anything, and the search function is potato.

Scenario: been billed based on actual reading of say 55000 units.

Just noticed it's at 54900 units and yes it's spinning backwards and numbers going down.

I remember the guy saying if this does happen then hold off on them installing smart meter as long as possible .

So 3 options I think.

1. Call in my reading and this might alert them straight away that I need upgrading.

2. Do nothing and see if next reading is marginally higher than previous actual, then ring it in.

3. Do nothing and let them give estimated/actual readings whenever and let it sort itself out.

Do you get credit if your reading is less than their previous ESB call out reading.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119211981#Comment_119211981

My meter is the same and I just add on a couple of units when I submit my readings. If you enter a lower reading than the previous one it throws up all sorts of trouble as people in other threads have said.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119454854#Comment_119454854

Next time they call you could have covid and it's slowly working through your very large family, if you get my meaning.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058250496/got-solar-old-meter-units-going-backwards

all the older meters are like that, did you renovate an older gaff?

you are living the dream

just let it offset your usage and you are kosher

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119211886#Comment_119211886

Bit of renovation. House built in 80s.

So do nothing and keep getting estimates?

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119211981#Comment_119211981

put in real readings, they will still go up, just at a lower rate

go on as normal

dont let them in to replace the meter, ever

I know people in your position for maybe 7-8 year

monkeybutter

like you don't want to be in a position where you would be trying to get a refund

silver_sky

They'll come for you eventually in the meantime just make sure you don't submit a meter reading lower than the previous one. You're in a good position right now.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119212538#Comment_119212538

come for you in what way?

silver_sky

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119216388#Comment_119216388

To fit a smart meter. Note that even if they do, you don't need to accept the smart plans. You can keep the current plan. Smart plans are generally more expensive.

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119212538#Comment_119212538

It's kind of funny, the last reading was an estimate way way above what it is.

So we have had to pay that, then assume the next reading will be a physical reading which might rumble us as it's actually below the April actual reading!!!

And if the next bill is another estimate they'll be adding on more crazy units.

I'm back using electric shower and tumble dryer to try and get the reading to go a little above the last actual reading.... But the Sun keeps on shining and ruining my plans 😭

I might start mining bitcoin, if that's still a thing.

what?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119218336#Comment_119218336

Is your meter outside Treppen?

Kinda same boat, have 2 old analogue meters but inside.

Before I knew of the adavantages I went asking for an upgrade. Thankfully Irish beaurocacy got in the way, on the wrong code for a smart meter. Need to pay to have unused NSH meter removed. I aint payin. :-D

Treppen

Yes Metre is outside, had oven, dryer, washing machine, dishwasher,electric shower on today... still in the negative😭

I wonder though. Seeing as I'm barely using any units what company has the cheapest flat rate service charge before they charge for the units used?

frankston

Get an EV

Treppen

I think you're right. Which one though😁

Boscoirl

In the same boat. my meter is currently reading lower than Aprils reading,

I take note of the readings at the beginning of each month and when i submit a reading online.

I just make sure i give an appropriate reading typically 100units over the last one, which in essence is prebuying the power for the winter when i dont generate enough.

luckily my meter is inside and the meter reading guy only ever comes to the door when he does call to check. but if i am submiting readings every 2months online, he rarely calls.

Will probably lose my meter when i get an EV, as i will need to upgrade the tails to the house to put in a car charger. :(

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119257415#Comment_119257415

I suppose even if you do get in a new meter you'll still get your solar diverted into the car.

How do you mean 'upgrade the tails'?

Jonathan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119257834#Comment_119257834

Meter tails are the cables running from your ESB meter to your consumer unit (fuse board).

Boscoirl

The ESB called to the house today, i presume it was to upgrade my meter, luckily there was nobody at home. hopefully they wont come back for a time yet.

between the meter going back wards, and they estimating my last bill, I am currently 6-700 units behind what they think its at, so dont want to lose that "Credit"

con747

How come quoting the above post sent my post up to post #1 part 3? If any Mods notice. @johnathan @DrPhilG

Jonathan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119455106#Comment_119455106

I think it is because someone marked it as this answered the question.

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119454854#Comment_119454854

Yikes,

what provider are you with?

Did they know you have solar?

Did you submit any readings yourself or were they estimating or actual?

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119455347#Comment_119455347

Ya I hit the 'did this answer your question' on yet man's COVID suggestion.

Boscoirl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119456207#Comment_119456207

With Electric Ireland.

they’ll know I have Solar. When it was installed 16months ago. The installer had to submit a form to ESBNetworks to say we got Solar. I actually got a letter a few weeks after that to say they were going to change the meter but nobody ever called then.

most of the reading I submit myself. But the last one was an estimate(~400 units for the 2 month)Forgot to do it. But coincidentally it coincided with a price increase in the unit rate which was applied to most of that 400units.