Traditional meter timeclock issues
Traditional meter timeclock issues & Resolution
Background
As part of our role as the Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks is licenced by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to provide meter and data services to the electricity market in Ireland.
We read traditional meters up to four times a year and provide those meter readings to electricity suppliers. Electricity suppliers then use the meter readings to calculate electricity usage and invoice their customer in accordance with the contract and tariff agreed between the supplier and the customer. Customer queries on supplier invoices and tariffs should be made in the first instance to the registered supplier.
As part of the National Climate Action Plan, ESB Networks is upgrading all traditional electricity meters across Ireland to smart meters by 2025. Smart meters bring many benefits, including more information faster to customers and ESB Networks.
Traditional meter timeclock issues & solution
The following information relates to traditional day/night meters and timeclocks.
Identifying issues
A potential problem with a traditional meter or timeclock equipment may be identified by ESB Networks in a few ways:
- An ESB Networks Contracted Meter Reader or Technician inspects the meter and reports a problem.
- Validation of a meter reading identifies a potential problem.
- Analysis conducted by ESB Networks/Supplier identifies a potential problem.
If we identify a potential problem with your traditional day/night meter or timeclock equipment, we’ll write to you to let you know.
Customers may also identify a potential problem. If you think that there may be a problem with your meter and/or timeclock then you should contact your supplier who will report the suspected problem to ESB Networks on your behalf.
However, if you have safety concerns about your meter you should report the problem directly to ESB Networks on our emergency number 1800 372 999.
Solving issues
ESB Networks will investigate the potential problem. This may include visiting the site of the meter to carry out repairs or replacing the meter and/or timeclock. We keep track of all replaced equipment. If the visit results in the meter being exchanged, your electricity supplier will let you know.
Adjustment to historic consumption
If you are given a replacement day/night meter or time clock, we will conduct a review after your issue has been resolved to see if an adjustment is needed to your historic consumption.
If there is an adjustment due, we will analyse your historic consumption combined with any other information available to determine a fault period. This will give us an initial estimation of consumption based on historic consumption patterns. Occasionally, it may not be possible to use the historic consumption information to calculate a consumption adjustment. This can happen if there is no obvious equipment failure date. Should this occur, ESB Networks may be required to use consumption data from the new meter and/or timeclock to calculate the adjustment.
However, if no actual reading is received for the new meter and/or timeclock within 4 months of the equipment replacement then a 62:38 ratio (average day:night consumption split) is used to calculate the adjustment. The apportionment is informed by the CRU Supplier Handbook.
If we find that the estimated units were incorrectly allocated to Day register and a credit adjustment is due, we'll write to you to let you know. There is no action required on your part as we will also issue the initial estimated units to your current registered supplier in line with Rules for the Application of DUos Tariff Group. The supplier should then credit the units to your account. Any billing queries should be directed to your electricity supplier. If you are registered with another supplier/s during the period in question, the full refund will be advised to the current registered supplier. Under Section 11 of the Statute of Limitations Act 1957, any rebate will apply up to a maximum of six years from the date the metering issue is resolved.
The current registered supplier can engage further with ESB Networks on your behalf in relation to the initial calculation. Through your supplier, you can also provide additional information with regards to consumption patterns which may be taken into consideration by ESB Networks when determining the adjustment required.
ESB Networks will not process a retrospective adjustment on the account where an additional charge is calculated as being due. However, your consumption as recorded by the meter and/or timeclock may increase following the resolution of the meter issue which may result in an increase in bills you receive from your supplier.
All account reviews are completed objectively and informed by the CRU Supplier Handbook. The regulatory model under which ESB Networks operates means that we are indifferent financially to the value of any adjustment calculated. Please see CRU Energy Networks Revenues & Tariffs - 5 Year Allowance for more information.