to think there will be quite a few people giving a higher meter reading than it actually is at the end of March

[cakeorwine]

If they have to submit a meter reading instead of having it sent by Smart Meter
Assuming it's unlikely a meter reader will be physically coming around for a bit
If the cost of what you are using is going up significantly after April 1st and you just have to tell them what you use, I wonder if people will over estimate just to save a few quid?

Unless they go too high and then when a meter reader turns up, they have hardly used any or have even used a negative amount!

I wonder if companies have any algorithms to detect readings that seem to be either too low or too high - in a way to get a lower bill

I don’t understand.

Are you thinking of trying this?

@HarlowHenry to be billed at the lower rate.

I wasn’t …. but now I am.

I’m feeling a bit slow but if I say I am using more gas or electricity than I am won’t it put my direct debit up even more?

@Sh05

Are you thinking of trying this?

I am on a Smart Meter so not happening

@HarlowHenry

I’m feeling a bit slow but if I say I am using more gas or electricity than I am won’t it put my direct debit up even more?

It depends on the readings you submit. At some point they will come and take a meter reading.

Oooo I had never considered this… until now!

@Bagelsandbrie

Oooo I had never considered this… until now!

My supplier increased their rates a while ago. I submitted a meter reading - but I was wondering how they 'allocated' that reading - seeing as how 2 of the months were at 1 rate and 1 month was at a different rate. Yet the actual usage was not proportionate as a lot of the gas usage was in 1 month.

It's fraud, and yes, of course they will be able to tell from your normal pattern of use.

I know a few people considering this. We have a smart meter so it wouldn't work, but are on a fixed rate anyway.

Hmm, now I understand what my dad was on about 🤔😂

But maybe, it's. I'm currently paying about 4.67p/kwh for gas, so may well be worthwhile.

@Bagelsandbrie

Oooo I had never considered this… until now!

Same

@TheSmallAssassin

It's fraud, and yes, of course they will be able to tell from your normal pattern of use.

It is fraud. Of course

I don't know if they could tell on a small scale, as we have had WFH and different ways of using energy.

Now that is a good idea. I don't have a smart meter and have never had anyone round to read the meter.

@SilverHairedCat

Hmm, now I understand what my dad was on about 🤔😂

But maybe, it's. I'm currently paying about 4.67p/kwh for gas, so may well be worthwhile.

The thing is that you will be using less gas from April to October. I suppose that if the October price cap goes high, people might over estimate gas use in the summer months and give a lower read from October

Assuming no one actually comes round and takes an actual read

As per PP said its fraud and the energy providers will be on the look out for it. Potentially you could end up in court.

Anyway how much could you actually save? A few quid, is it worth it?

@cakeorwine good luck to them checking the meter in my kitchen cupboard. Had it checked twice in a decade.

how they 'allocated' that reading - seeing as how 2 of the months were at 1 rate and 1 month was at a different rate.

It will have been divided to produce a daily rate in kwh. Average usage is listed on our bill, not sure if that's universal. They'll have used that to charge you x days' worth at x rate. We had this in October when the prices went up: 28 days at this price and 2 at that. Giving a meter reading right before price changes should at least avoid previous usage being charged at the new rate.

[quote SilverHairedCat]@cakeorwine good luck to them checking the meter in my kitchen cupboard. Had it checked twice in a decade.[/quote]
Regardless of how often it's been checked previously, your electricity/gas suppliers own the meters in your house, and have the right to check them. You can't prevent it.

@TheSmallAssassin

It's fraud, and yes, of course they will be able to tell from your normal pattern of use.

There are many legitimate reasons why your reading could be higher. Unwell and at home with heating on when you would have been at work, elderly parent or grandparent temporarily staying with you (any guest really who needs more heating, plus additional hot water and electricity use).