this post was submitted on 08 Aug 2024
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A new gas meter was installed at my house and the readings are wild. My gas has been switched on with the new meter for just over 24 hours and if this reading started at 0, I've used over 2000m3 of gas in that time apparently. My previous reading for 28 days, I used 51m3. Something is very wrong here.
Call the gas company/distributor and you can report a fault. They may try to palm you off to your energy provider, but you should be able to explain what you have here and they can send someone out.
I remember a whole bunch of org rules (like paying for the service which will be refunded if the meter is actually found to be faulty, etc) but I'm not sure if they apply here.
Definitely check with your gas distributor
Thanks! I called the gas company and they put me through to AusNet who installed the new meter. They're sending someone out tonight to check if there's a leak. There has to be, or this meter is giving faulty readings, because the usage is just not possible. I also switched the gas off at the meter just in case.
Perfect, wasn't sure where you are so I didn't want to say ausnet (used to work for them).
Fantastic they're sending someone out! Great news! Get some documentation if you can as well, to show your energy provider, in case they issue a bill or anything. Just a paper trail to say it was the fault of installation. :) ausnet should tell your provider though internally, they'll get a list iirc
Loving this insider knowledge! I freaked out thinking the gas company is going to try and claim that I used that much gas and make me pay for it, and the first person I spoke to at the gas company only heightened my anxiety. He put me through to someone more senior who was way more helpful, straightaway she said based on those numbers there's a problem. I've got several meter reading photos from the past 24 hours, and my bills with evidence of past usage to show how out of line this new meter is reading at.
I've worked for Tru Energy, Energy Australia, Ausnet, Alinta, and Horizon Power, so I have a massive knowledge base lol but mostly for Vic, NSW and WA.
With that evidence you have, and any documentation from Ausnet, you can ensure you won't be overcharged if ausnets data doesn't make it to your provider, or it isn't actioned before your next bill.
Your provider may say it will work itself out in the next actual read of your meter, but you should be able to get it adjusted with a self-read. They may ask you to provide photo evidence of your meter reading, which it sounds like you have.
Once it is fixed and you have the documentation, save it and call your provider and go over your options. Don't be afraid to politely ask for a senior, as they will have more authority (generally) to action changes/input your self read. Your consultant may push back before giving you to a senior, but that's because their Team Leader and Management have KPIs and one of them is reducing "escalations".
Let me know if you need further advice!!