Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Stuck with meter that can’t be read
Smart electricity meters are billed as a way you can save money by discovering how much energy you use and when – but one couple aren’t impressed.
Stephen and Lyn Clarke run a wine bar in Sidmouth, Devon, and say that they’ve repeatedly failed to get any readings.
The first time this happened they were given £100 compensation by their supplier E.ON.
The second time they were offered £25, increased to £50 when they said they would be reporting the matter to the energy ombudsman.
It has now happened a third time. Instead of getting regular monthly bills, they’ve just been hit with a hefty £750 demand for two months and two weeks.
“The meter is meant to be read every half hour but E.ON have told me that they can’t do this because they’re not getting a network signal,” said Mr Clarke.
“I won’t be the only person affected. These smart meters are being brought in before they’ve been properly tested.
“It’s not like we need half hourly readings, we know how to save energy – if something isn’t being used, we switch it off.”
An E.ON spokesman said the firm had apologised to the couple and staff “are working with them to come to a resolution”.
It didn’t comment on Mr Clarke’s belief that other businesses will be in the same position – if you are, please let me know.