￡300,000 Smart Meter overcharge: Sharkeys Story
Leon Lindblad
Founder @ The Refurb Company | New Business Development, Microsoft Online Services
Our Journey Through Overcharges and the Importance of Meter Accuracy
Introduction
It's a story that might seem all too common in today's world of high-tech utilities management: a tale of significant overcharging due to smart meter inaccuracies. At Sharkeys Southampton, we experienced this firsthand, and it was a journey filled with technical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. By sharing our narrative, we aim to arm you with knowledge and encourage vigilance in your energy consumption and billing.
Unpacking the Technicalities
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify who's who and what's what:
Understanding Energy Units
Energy consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (KW/H), with 1 KW/H equating to 1,000 watt-hours. For perspective, a large, modern flat-screen TV uses about 100W/H. Back in 2020, the cost per unit was 15p; it has since soared to 38p. Essentially, running a single TV for 10 hours would now cost 38p.
The Surge in Bills
Our plight began in 2022, just as we were reopening Sharkeys Southampton. The energy bills surged inexplicably—from ￡6,000 in the first month to ￡25,000 by the third. We pondered the absurdity: to warrant such costs, we would have to run approximately 500 televisions non-stop, every day. It was clear something was amiss.
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Cancelling Direct Debits: A Necessary Step
After two months of frustratingly high direct debit (DD) charges and no clear resolution from Positive Energy, we took control. Our electrician's foresight to install an independent meter paid off—we discovered our smart meter reported more than double our actual usage.
The Struggle for Acknowledgment
Initially, our concerns were met with indifference, then with dismissive assurances of accuracy. It was only after halting payments and engaging our brokers, U4L, that Positive Energy took notice. IMServe was finally summoned to inspect.
Inspection Inefficiencies
IMServe's process was slow and flawed. When they installed a check meter, it was set to read from the main meter instead of the incoming electric—resulting in a verification of the erroneous readings. It took another independent assessment to validate our claims: the smart meter reported usage at 3.1 times our actual consumption.
A Resolution in Sight
Feeling cornered, we turned to the media. Our story in the Southampton Echo caught the eye of an IMServe inspector, who, as a Southampton local, took personal interest. His investigation was swift and conclusive: our smart meter was indeed misprogrammed.
Conclusion: Awareness is Power
The resolution brought both relief and revelation. The programming error dated back to 2020, meaning we had been overcharged even when the venue was vacant. This incident emphasizes the importance of diligent monitoring and proactive measures.
We urge you to stay informed and critical of your energy bills. An independent meter can serve as a vital check against your smart meter's readings. Should you find discrepancies, immediate action is your best recourse. Our story is not just about rectifying a wrong; it's a call to action for transparency and accountability in energy billing.
Parting Advice
Inspect your meters, question the charges, and stand firm in your pursuit of justice. It may seem daunting, but remember: accurate billing is not just a possibility; it's your right.
#EnergyBilling #SmartMeters #UtilityManagement #ConsumerRights #Overcharging #EnergySavings #SustainableLiving #TechInnovation #Accountability #BusinessEthics #StartupChallenges #CustomerAdvocacy #UKBusiness #SMEs #EnergyIndustry
PA and Project Administrator to 4 Professors
1 年How do you install an independent metre? I mean can any electrician set it up? Do we need permission to do so?
Owner @ Uzed.com, Graduate at IMD business school.
1 年￡300,000 overcharge ? Whaaaaattttt?