Electricity Meter going backwards?

[Markc]

This is another part of the Self Certification PV process which is actually far from satisfactory. I know we all smile at it and think hooray for getting one up on the fat cats but................. The installer should have to formally notifying the REC that an analogue meter exists on a PV site. They know it's there and they are, by definition, competent to say so.

I disagree here. Some FITs application contracts asks "does the meter run backwards?" with a tick box yes or no. As you may be aware this contract is between the customer and the supplier, not the MCS accredited installer. Data protection act prevents the Installer completing such application.

I have seen nothing else anywhere to state or give notice of meters running backwards. The FITs contract is sent to "the" supplier so why can't they take some small proportion of responsibly over actually reading the application other than to pick up on a spelling mistake and refuse application and delay payment for a further four weeks?

Items such as this hasn't anything to do with the so called "need of tightening up of the self certification" procedures.

WE as accredited installers in the most provide the highest levels of service possible with the highest level of professionalism and engineering expertise.

 

[Markc]

A good example of lack of supplier helpfulness happened to me today:

Yesterday we completed a 4kWp system and today revisited the client to aid in the completing of the FITs application with Eon.

The property is a renovation project and not currently occupied. He has to pay 20% VAT on the renovation (5% on the PV) so not deemed as a New Build but Retro Fit. Yesterday Eon fitted a Smart meter for the new property supply. Having not seen a Smart meter before I got talking to the Eon meter guy to find out the in's and out's. Monitor, SIM card reading ect, then the export......................Only to be told the export side is disabled?

Why?........It has to be activated by the office. Well can you action that activation?.........No!? Why not?........It has to be asked for by the bill payer. Ok I will get him to ring in.

So today while completing the forms he rang Eco.

Can you activate the export side of my new Smart meter? Yes my details are XYZ.

Sorry sir No we can't as the property isn't occupied. What difference does that make? You aren't using any energy and so exporting to much!

Now I'm sorry but this is moving the goal posts AGAIN and again making the installer the one to look a fool.

Poor show Eon!

 

[SolarCity]

Sorry sir No we can't as the property isn't occupied. What difference does that make? You aren't using any energy and so exporting to much!

Now I'm sorry but this is moving the goal posts AGAIN and again making the installer the one to look a fool.

Poor show Eon!

Since when has that been a rule?

Another instance of a supplier taking the ****:

We installed a PV system on a site that had a Siemens meter which happened to be one of the ones that registered power in both directions, which gave the customer some dodgy readings. We spoke to the supplier and got the ball rolling to get the meter changed. Eventually it was changed (weeks later) but while they were changing it, the electrician carrying out the meter changed decided to inform the customer that "the PV system has been incorrectly installed and that is what is causing the problem". Luckily, my customer had a good technical background so he challenged this assertion. The electrician was unable to explain exactly what was wrong with the installation - just that it was "wrong". I have written to the department involved demanding a written apology to both myself and my customer.

I have received nothing.

Installers that have dealt with DNOs and supplier over the years will know just how frustrating these people can be.

 

[russgibb]

I guess the hardest bit with a meter running backwards is getting away with deliberately giving excessively high meter readings in the winter

Who'd have thought that we'd be in a position where people are deliberately falsifying readings in favour of the power company!

 

[powervan]

Npower on there fit form ASK IS YOUR METER NOW GOING BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! U MUST TICK YES IF IT IS OR U WILL BE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well they wont be happy

 

[langstroth2]

EON's FiT form doesn't ask, so I wrote a note on the form to tell them. It's their meter, I've taken documented reasonable steps to inform them, so now it's their problem as far as I'm concerned.

 

[hp4020]

I am in the same boat, informed Scottish power via email, not even a response !

 

[Noton1205]

Thanks for your reply - OK it was true then.

My provider is BG and I have phoned them few times trying to get the meter changed but it seems to be too big of a company, sofar nobody has been able to transfer my call to the right department...

Bg will change yor meter for free. What area of the country are you in?

 

[liquidity]

Npower on there fit form ASK IS YOUR METER NOW GOING BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!! U MUST TICK YES IF IT IS OR U WILL BE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well they wont be happy

What about if you fill the form in at night? :lipsrsealed2:

 

[powervan]

if u notify them u can doooooooooooo nooooooooooooo more!!! there is many houses at mo spinning the australian way

 

[OdeTheBear]

if u notify them u can doooooooooooo nooooooooooooo more!!! there is many houses at mo spinning the australian way

Not this time of year mate...

 

[loskie]

I am in the same boat, informed Scottish power via email, not even a response !

Damned Scottish Power are coming to change my meter tomorrow and the panels only went up on Oct 20th. First time they will have attended to anything quickly.:63:

 

[powervan]

well u no wot they say about the scotttttts

 

[Earthstore]

"They invented copper wire fighting over a penny"

 

[stevechorner]

Damned Scottish Power are coming to change my meter tomorrow and the panels only went up on Oct 20th. First time they will have attended to anything quickly.:63:

No-one's gonna change MY meter until I have received my terms and conditions letter and returned it. If they try and do it berfore then I shall tell them to clear off ! They received my FIT form and stuff on 24th Oct and I'm still waiting for my T&C letter, although I have now finally had a letter acknowledging they received my form.