Smart meters are designed to automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST) changes, ensuring continuous billing accuracy. However, issues can arise, particularly for those on multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7, where accurate timekeeping is crucial for correct peak and off-peak billing. This guide provides clear steps to help homeowners avoid smart meter overcharging during clock changes and ensure their energy bills remain accurate.
If you're concerned about smart meter overcharging during clock changes, Fuse Energy offers clear insights into your energy usage, helping you stay on top of your bills. Switch to Fuse Energy today and experience straightforward energy management. Click here to get started.
Smart meters are built to automatically update their internal clocks during DST changes, both when clocks go forward in spring and back in autumn. This automatic adjustment should ensure a seamless transition for your energy billing.
Automatic time synchronisation
Most smart meters are designed to synchronise their internal clocks with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and automatically adjust for British Summer Time (BST). This means that when the clocks change, your meter should update itself without any manual intervention. This automatic process helps ensure that time-sensitive tariffs, like those with different day and night rates, are correctly applied.
Potential for errors
While smart meters are designed for automatic adjustment, issues can still arise. These can stem from communication problems between the meter and the energy supplier, software glitches, or even older smart meter models that may not update as reliably. These errors can lead to incorrect recording of energy usage, especially around the exact time of the clock change.
Overcharging during clock changes often stems from discrepancies in how your smart meter records energy consumption, particularly for specific tariff types or if the meter itself is not functioning optimally.
Impact on multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7
Multi-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7, are particularly vulnerable to clock change errors. These tariffs charge different rates for electricity used during peak and off-peak hours. If a smart meter's internal clock fails to adjust correctly, energy consumed during what should be an off-peak period might be charged at the higher peak rate, leading to overcharging.
Incorrect meter serial number or commissioning issues
An incorrect meter serial number (MSN) recorded by your supplier, or issues during the initial commissioning of your smart meter, can also lead to billing problems. If your meter was not properly set up or its details are mismatched in the system, it might not communicate correctly with your supplier, causing inaccurate readings and potential overcharges.
Smart meter not sending readings or display not working
A smart meter that is not sending readings or has a display that is not working can also contribute to overcharging. If your smart meter stops sending readings, your energy supplier may resort to estimated bills, which might not reflect your actual usage. Similarly, a non-functional In-Home Display (IHD) means you cannot monitor your real-time consumption or verify that your tariff rates are being applied correctly. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year.
Proactive steps can help you ensure accurate billing during clock changes and quickly identify any potential issues.
Proactive steps before the clock change
Before the clocks change, make a note of your current meter readings and the time displayed on your In-Home Display (IHD). If you have a multi-rate tariff, confirm the scheduled peak and off-peak times with your supplier. This baseline information will be invaluable if you need to dispute a bill later.
Monitoring your In-Home Display (IHD)
Your IHD is a crucial tool for monitoring your energy usage. Keep an eye on it immediately before and after the clock change. Check that the time displayed is correct and that the unit rates for your tariff are being applied accurately, especially if you are on an Economy 7 or similar multi-rate plan. Fuse Energy's digital-first approach provides clear, real-time energy usage data via the app, enabling customers to verify billing accuracy themselves.
Verifying your energy bill after the change
Carefully review your first energy bill issued after a clock change. Compare the usage periods and rates charged against your notes and IHD data. Look for any unusual spikes in consumption, especially during what should have been off-peak hours. The Ofgem price-cap default tariff for 1 July to 30 September 2026 sets electricity at 26.11p per kWh.
If you suspect you've been overcharged, acting quickly is key to resolving the issue.
Gathering evidence of a problem
Collect all relevant information, including photos of your meter readings and IHD display (showing the time and rates), copies of previous bills, and any communication with your energy supplier. This evidence will support your case.
Contacting your energy supplier
Contact your energy supplier immediately if you identify any potential overcharging or billing errors. Explain the situation clearly, providing the evidence you've gathered. The industry-wide phase-out of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters began on 30 June 2025, which affects how some multi-rate tariffs are managed. Fuse Energy offers in-app chat and email support for any unresolved smart meter or billing issues related to clock changes.
Escalating a complaint to the energy Ombudsman
If you are not satisfied with your energy supplier's response, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman. This independent body can investigate your case and make a binding decision to resolve the dispute. Ofgem is the UK's energy regulator, responsible for overseeing gas and electricity markets and protecting consumers.
Fuse Energy empowers you with the knowledge and tools to understand your energy usage and prevent overcharging during clock changes. Our commitment to never settling extends to ensuring accurate billing and helping you resolve any discrepancies promptly. With clear pricing and real-time usage data available in the app, managing your energy becomes straightforward. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy bills.
