3 phase meter readings - Could my meter be faulty?

Hi @Rebecca78 

Thanks for popping by the OVO online community with this tricky 3 phase meter reading question. I’ve double checked with the team here and they’ve advised that a 3 phase meter is read is a similar way to a regular single phase meter, so they’ll be one reading to submit if you’re on a single rate plan or two readings if you’re on a dual rate plan. Have you checked whether you are listed as a single or dual rate meter?

As you mention the readings seem to indicate higher than expected usage it’s worth taking a look at the advice given in the guide below.

It can be worth carry out some trouble-shooting to see whether this usage can be identified before requesting further meter investigations such as a meter accuracy test.

Let us know if this helps getting things sorted. 👍

Hey, I am having a similar issue at the moment with the same meter.

it’s a 6 digit meter with no decimals however my energy company keeps adding a decimal rather than fill it as a 6 digit meter. Should they be ignoring the last number or is a decimal point correct ?

Il any help would be appreciated,!

amy

Thanks Jess

we have tried turning everything off and doing a black out . We’re still experiencing extremely high bill even with the heating turned off . Could this be that we should be on a different tarrif for 3 phase ? Is our meter being read correctly as it’s a 6 diagital one ? I have lost count of the times I have rang SSE and still no checks have been made !! Something cannot be right !!

Hi Amy

interested to know how this meter should be read please let me know if you get any answers . Can I ask how long have you been at the property or experiencing high bills ?

Hi @Rebecca78 and @Amyrodger,

Sorry for the delayed response and to hear you’re both struggling to understand your 3 phase meter readings. I’ve taken this one away to one of our metering experts here to help get some idea on the way things should work.

All 3 Phase meters have 6 digit readings. A few have a decimal point but they should be reading 6 digits long before the decimal. If a Supplier is dropping the 6th digit it's likely because their systems assume all domestic meter readings should have a maximum of 5 digits (which is the case for single phase meters)

Have you sent your supplier a photo of your meter reading, @Amyrodger? This might help clear the confusion over the number of digits they’re recording when you submit a reading.

As for the high charges you mention, @Rebecca78, this is a slightly trickier one to diagnose. Most suppliers no longer offer a 3 phase specific tariff so you’ll be offered the same plans regardless of meter type.

Whilst generally speaking 3 phase supplies are installed in properties with a higher than usual demand, we’re not able to know what appliance or device might be clocking up your usage. Have you checked the advice given in the topic below which might help you carry out some checks to work out the cause of the issue. An electrician may also be able to advise if these checks aren’t conclusive.

Hi Rebecca, 

I have been 3 years now, I was getting high rates last year I challenged my supplier and finally got some credit back but I am at the same point again.  I am high usage anyway but £4000 in 3 months is way too high!  I do believe it does have something to do with suppliers adding a decimal where it is not required,  when I had someone out to read my meter (sent by the supplier) they advised it should be 6 digits with no decimal.  My supplier has now said ‘oh no where there is no decimal we just have to add one’  very frustrating!

Thank you for replying.  My Supplier doesn't seem to understand that its a 6 digit meter and advised   ‘oh no where there is no decimal we just have to add one’ its not very convincing … I have sent pictures in but they still add in a decimal.  If I try to enter a meter reading online there is only ever 5 boxes, it is all very frustrating.  The supplier I use have quite a bad reputation so I am not sure if I will get very far with them.

I am a high Usage anyway but I have been here for 3 years and suddenly my bills have doubled and this is before the price increase.  Thank you for taking the time out to help and give advise 

Can I ask who your supplier is ? I spend so much time ringing only to be told they can fit a smart meter that will help ! We can’t have a smart meter as we’re on a 3 phase ! I’m with SSE and not getting anywhere ! I’ve emailed and continuously rang complaints ! I would just like  for someone to come and check the meter ! I think the next stage now will have to be the ombudsman’s!! 
 

Hi Rebecca,

I am with Opus Energy at the moment.  The person before me was SSE and she advised not to go with them as they didn't deal with her bills all that well.  I am correct in saying you are not a business so have not go alot of high usage? 

Hi Amy

Thanks you for your message .were not a business and have had our heating off since April and we’re still consuming over 20 units a day and that’s with us at work and the children at school and us being extremely aware of not having things on due  to our bills being through the roof !!! It’s so stressful isn’t it ! We’re having to work extra hours to pay the billS !!