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Extortionate bill - where is the problem

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  • 28-02-2020 2:03pm
    #1
    Conrad83
    Registered Users Posts: 155 ✭✭


    Hi, I'm looking for some advice on our storage heaters we have in our rented property.

    We have received a whopper €500 bill for our electricity and think that it is possibly the storage heaters, either we are not using them correctly or there is a fault with them.

    We current have 2 in our downstairs living room which we turn the input dial up to 3-4 overnight (the max it goes to is 8) and we turn the output to 2-3 in the evenings to release the heat (but turn this back down before going to bed).

    Our electricity supplier has advised that the bulk of our bill is generated from night time units which leads us to believe it could be the storage heaters.

    We are using them as per guidelines given to us when we moved into the property (or so we believe).

    Anyone know the ins and outs of them? We are 2 adults living in a small 2 bed townhouse with only 2 storage heaters so feel this bill is nuts and trying to find the problem!


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    #2
    10000maniacs
    Registered Users Posts: 4,808 ✭✭✭10000maniacs


    The reason for the high price is it is probably wired through the normal phase. You need to get an electrician to wire it through the off peak phase.


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    #3
    Conrad83
    Registered Users Posts: 155 ✭✭Conrad83


    10000maniacs wrote: »
    The reason for the high price is it is probably wired through the normal phase. You need to get an electrician to wire it through the off peak phase.

    Thanks for the response. What do you mean wire it through the off peak phase? Electric Ireland have told us the bulk of usage is at night.


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    #4
    Electric Ireland: Aoife
    Company Representative Posts: 361 Verified rep ✭Electric Ireland: Aoife


    Hi Conrad83, 

    Thank you for getting in touch. 

    We recommend checking the time clock on your meter to make sure it is coming on at the correct time. If the time is incorrect, please call our colleagues on 1850 372 372 or 01 852 9534 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to arrange an appointment for an ESB Networks technician to visit the property. We are unable to arrange appointments in this department. 

    We also recommend checking the current meter reading and comparing it to the one on your bill if you have not done so already. It's also worth noting that if this is a bill based on an accurate meter reading after a series of estimations, this bill may be a catch-up bill. 

    If you wish, we can take a look at your account. 

    We will require the following details by private message: 
    - Your full name
    - Your account number
    - Your address
    - Your contact number
    - Confirmation you are the account holder (Yes/No)

    Kind regards, 
    Aoife


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    #5
    Conrad83
    Registered Users Posts: 155 ✭✭Conrad83


    Electric Ireland: Aoife wrote: »
    Hi Conrad83, 

    Thank you for getting in touch. 

    We recommend checking the time clock on your meter to make sure it is coming on at the correct time. If the time is incorrect, please call our colleagues on 1850 372 372 or 01 852 9534 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to arrange an appointment for an ESB Networks technician to visit the property. We are unable to arrange appointments in this department. 

    We also recommend checking the current meter reading and comparing it to the one on your bill if you have not done so already. It's also worth noting that if this is a bill based on an accurate meter reading after a series of estimations, this bill may be a catch-up bill. 

    If you wish, we can take a look at your account. 

    We will require the following details by private message: 
    - Your full name
    - Your account number
    - Your address
    - Your contact number
    - Confirmation you are the account holder (Yes/No)

    Kind regards, 
    Aoife

    Hi Aoife, yes this one is an actual bill while the last one was estimated. However we feel that a bill of €500 for electricity alone for 2 adults in a small 2 bed townhouse cannot possibly be correct. We are out of the house for 10+ hours a day. I have lived with 4-5 people in a much larger house and never seen a bill even close to this amount.

    We did a meter test yesterday and the meter is reading the same as our bill. Where would we find the time stamp please?


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    #6
    Electric Ireland: Una
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭Electric Ireland: Una


    Hi Conrad,

    We recommend sending us the account details for us to check the previous bill compared with the latest bill.

    If it is under-estimated, this bill would be a catch-up.

    The time switch is the clock type device.

    Kind regards,
    Una


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    #7
    jimmycrackcorm
    Registered Users Posts: 14,329 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    Try a simple test. Observe the electricity counter done evening before night rate kicks in with the storage heaters on. Measure then in the mooring or after a period of a few hours.
    Repeat this test with the storage heaters off and same other appliances / lights being used.

    See how many units are being used.


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