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Lauren87
Rank 2
Feb 16, 2024 7:29 PM UTC
Solved

Gas usage had a big jump in usage for unknown reason, have I submitted my readings correctly?

I had to submit my meter readings manually after my smart meter decided to just not send them anymore. I was unable to enter the readings online so contacted the web chat advisor. He asked me to take photographs of the meter readings due to them not sounding correct. 

I then received an updated bill stating I needed to up my DD to £1038 a month from £191 I usually pay. I'm absolutely shocked and definitely can't afford this. 

My usage is stating that I used over 7000kw of gas in January. My January 16th meter reading was 07935 KW (sent by smart meter), today's reading is 90302kw. I barely put the heating on and my smart meter shows I use around £7 a day on gas and electric (electric is always higher than gas in my house). 

What do I need to do now? Surely this is an error on my meter?

 

BPLightlog
BPLightlogBest Answer
Super User
Feb 17, 2024 10:05 AM UTC

Updated on 23/10/26 by Abby_OVO

 

@Lauren87 , the reading you need for the bill is the one with m3 on the screen so 8038 not the other with kWh .
If you send that photo and ask them to correct the bill.

 

As mentioned by BPLightlog above, you need to use the reading in m3 and not kWh for gas. The following topics may also be helpful here if you have a similar issue or do see a genuine jump in usage for no apparent reason:
 

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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12 replies

Rank 2
Lauren87Author
Rank 2
Feb 16, 2024 7:35 PM UTC

This is a comparison to the year before.

 

Firedog
Super User
FiredogSuper User
Super User
Feb 16, 2024 8:36 PM UTC

Where did that ‘manual’ reading for 16 February come from? It should have been about 8000, judging by the earlier usage. Did you submit it? Do you have the photo from that date?

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    Feb 16, 2024 9:16 PM UTC

    Where did that ‘manual’ reading for 16 February come from? It should have been about 8000, judging by the earlier usage. Did you submit it? Do you have the photo from that date?

    Perhaps the 9 should be an 8 ?

    So 8030 would make sense. A photo would be good but the present reading might also help

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      Rank 2
      Lauren87Author
      Rank 2
      Feb 16, 2024 10:20 PM UTC

      The 09030 is from my meter outside. The bill for January shows they used estimates but it still doesn't make sense? Unless it's not basic maths used to work out KW/h

       

      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      Feb 16, 2024 11:54 PM UTC

      I think you’d better check that gas meter again: the reading you’ve given  suggests that you’ve used 1000m³ more gas than expected. 

      To make sense of the kWh figure for gas consumption, here’s the formula: 4f130948-70ff-42c7-8b19-b10ca2838a84.jpg.

       

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
        Rank 2
        Lauren87Author
        Rank 2
        Feb 17, 2024 9:54 AM UTC

         

        Rank 2
        Lauren87Author
        Rank 2
        Feb 17, 2024 9:54 AM UTC

        It's saying my gas is on but I have no heating on or hot water running!

        Rank 2
        Lauren87Author
        Rank 2
        Feb 17, 2024 9:57 AM UTC

        OVO are querying my bill but this can take 10 working days! 

        BPLightlog
        Super User
        BPLightlogSuper UserBest Answer
        Super User
        Feb 17, 2024 10:05 AM UTC

        Updated on 23/10/26 by Abby_OVO

         

        @Lauren87 , the reading you need for the bill is the one with m3 on the screen so 8038 not the other with kWh .
        If you send that photo and ask them to correct the bill.

         

        As mentioned by BPLightlog above, you need to use the reading in m3 and not kWh for gas. The following topics may also be helpful here if you have a similar issue or do see a genuine jump in usage for no apparent reason:
         

        Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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          Lauren87Author
          Rank 2
          Feb 17, 2024 10:24 AM UTC

          Is it really? Am I that stupid? I sent the picture of the actual meter to the OVO man and he inputted that figure and didn't question it! I'll send it over now, thank you for your help!

          Show more replies
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