expensive bills

FoxySparky · Dec 1, 2012

Hi all,
Going to get straight to it my old doris just had a bill of £700 cos supposedly they had understimated. But on top of that she had been told her bills will rise, from £250 to it £330.

Anyways my mum reckons that the neighbours (council housed) are feeding off her meter somehow.

My mum lives in a mid terrace house private house (ex council). And her meter dial spins EXTREMELY fast for 2 people in a four bed house.
Is it possible that the neighbours have taped in? Anf how do I find this out and fix it. Cheers

telectrix · Dec 1, 2012

if it's been tapped then it's probably in the attic. switch off/ unplug all lights and appliances in the house and then see if the meter is still spinning.

Octopus · Dec 1, 2012

Simple. Turn off the main switch on your parents board and see if the meter still turns! or if the lights go off next door.

The other thing to do would be to get an energy "owl" and then you can see what impact things have on their consumption.

Problem is that bills have gone up a lot and if their payment hasn't been adjusted they would be in for a steep increase.

Ruso · Dec 1, 2012

if attics are joined, thats easiest way.. turn off switch and see if still turning

telectrix · Dec 1, 2012

no. if he turns off his CU, then that will also isolate the illegal tap if it's tapped into one of his circuits.

Octopus · Dec 1, 2012

telectrix said:
no. if he turns off his CU, then that will also isolate the illegal tap if it's tapped into one of his circuits.

Yup but it may prompt something to happen next door!

Midwest · Dec 3, 2012

Think someone needs to have a look in the loft :bulb2::bulb2: Technically burglary if they have got into her loft and abstracted electricity.

UNG · Dec 3, 2012

Old terrace houses quite often have one loft above all the whole block. A number of years ago some councils put walls in to act as fire breaks but did not necessarily split each house's loft off on it's own. If you live in a terrace house with an open loft it is the easiest way to be broken into as there is no sign of entry once the loft hatch is back in place and the intruder could live a number of house's away

FoxySparky · Dec 3, 2012

many thanks, I did switch the main fuse first, but as has been said, this will not identify the problem, as it would stop the power to the supposeded illegal wiring.

My old lady did explain that she thinks they did it while restoring there outside, attached brick shed. The houses are split in the attic by an dividing wall but i will definatley try turning all lights off and appliances then will let you know what goes on.

My Mum did say when she spoke to the electric company (eon) they said they could send someone out, but if they are right in thinking its a load of old tosh, then they will charge her £150.

Many Thanks guys.

Foxy Sparky

Farmelectrics · Dec 3, 2012

Foxy very interesting let us no the outcome

john999uk · Dec 3, 2012

Can you switch everything off in her house and use a clamp meter and see what current is being pulled. You can then switch off mcb's to see which circuit is still pulling power, if any. Only problem is that if there is anything tapped into her electric it might be on a timer or thermostat.
Good luck.