31 March 2022 -

[mudskipper]

There seems to be a general assumption going round that, if you supply a meter reading now, it's sure to save you money. Is that really the case?

No, it's more about making sure they don't underestimate then end up charging you more for units you've already used. But if you add a few units it could well save you money. Disclaimer - no idea if that constitutes fraud

[WTFH]

There seems to be a general assumption going round that, if you supply a meter reading now, it's sure to save you money. Is that really the case?

Yes and no.
It's one of those great stories that get latched on to without the evidence, and there's too many caveats.

If your usage is estimated by the company and you don't give them accurate readings on a regular basis then they may have calculated that you have used less electricity than you actually have. If you tell them the correct figure today, then you'll pay today's price for the difference. If you wait until next month, then you'll pay next month's price for it. Thus, by submitting a reading today you are saving money on what you would have to pay in the future when you eventually submit a reading.

But you're the bloke with the electrical qualifications, Shirley you understand all that?

[Gibbon]

No, it's more about making sure they don't underestimate then end up charging you more for units you've already used. But if you add a few units it could well save you money. Disclaimer - no idea if that constitutes fraud

I would surely think so, our provider requires dated photo evidence.

[DealorNoDeal]

No, it's more about making sure they don't underestimate then end up charging you more for units you've already used. But if you add a few units it could well save you money. Disclaimer - no idea if that constitutes fraud

We have oil for heating & hot water, and only get electricity from an energy supplier. We're on the SVR and, whilst the unit price is going up, the biggest hike is the standing charge (doubling), so it wouldn't make that much difference in our case.

[d000hg]

There seems to be a general assumption going round that, if you supply a meter reading now, it's sure to save you money. Is that really the case?

For anyone not on a deal prices are going up by 50%. If you're on a deal it can't hurt so you might as well.

[DealorNoDeal]

But you're the bloke with the electrical qualifications, Shirley you understand all that?

Yes but I thought, Shirley this meter reading frenzy can't be just about that. And, of course, you'd end up paying more if they overestimate your usage. And what's this about submitting readings for smart meters?

[d000hg]

And what's this about submitting readings for smart meters?

I think it's because they aren't guaranteed to send a reading every day, or at the right time things change.

We have a SM and it only seems to submit a reading sporadically.

[DealorNoDeal]

I think it's because they aren't guaranteed to send a reading every day, or at the right time things change.

We have a SM and it only seems to submit a reading sporadically.

Yes, although it won't make much difference if a reading is sent a few days before or after 1st April.

[d000hg]

Yes, although it won't make much difference if a reading is sent a few days before or after 1st April.

Maybe not to you. If costs go up >50% then every day might be adding to the hurt for those barely surviving.

[SueEllen]

No, it's more about making sure they don't underestimate then end up charging you more for units you've already used. But if you add a few units it could well save you money. Disclaimer - no idea if that constitutes fraud

It is apparently fraud.

However if you know how much you use in a 24 hour period - and there are people who do know their weekly usage at different times of the year - then you will get away with it.