Thousands of electricity customers overcharged due to smart meters signal issue

Thousands of homeowners who have smart electricity meters may have been over-charged as the devices may be malfunctioning, it has emerged.

This has resulted in thousands of homes being sent estimated bills despite the fact smart meters are supposed to automatically send real-time information on their electricity usage to ESB Networks.

It is estimated that due to weak phone signals, as many as 80,000 meters may suffer from 'intermittent connectivity' issues.

Smart meters use a mobile phone signal to relay information on electricity use.

However despite the signal issue, an ESB Networks spokesperson strongly denied claims that any faulty meters had been installed. 

The spokesperson outlined that ESB Networks has installed over 1.6 million smart meters nationwide to date.

"The rollout is progressing well with approximately 10,000 smart meters being installed each week," they said.

Smart meter customers receive more accurate bills, the spokesperson outlined, based on actual readings sent remotely by the meter. To date 14 million remote readings have been processed, they said.

"ESB Networks can categorically confirm that there is no batch of faulty meters or any other systemic issue with the smart meters installed in Ireland," the spokesperson said.

"At present, our meter connectivity is over 97% which is above the agreed 95% Service Level Agreement with the CRU". 

Those smart meters which can experience poor connectivity caused by the strength of the mobile signal continue to be read by a visiting meter reader, the spokesperson explained.

Customers with a smart meter can view their electricity usage data through the ESB Networks On-Line Account. To date over 20% of eligible customers have availed of smart services or tariffs.