2 meters, or is it?

[M_BROWNLOW]

If this single-family dwelling homeowner hadn't been present to explain I probably would've stood there puzzled for a few minutes before hazarding a guess as to what was going on.

click here for full size image

Seems that despite no change in the homeowner's strictly monitored consumption pattern there had been a noticeable increase in the billed KWH.
The top meter had recently been installed by the POCO as a test meter (note the hand-written "test" in black marker).
They will return at a later date and compare the change in KWH measured on both meters over the test period.

Should the homeowner's meter test ok, and also assuming the consumption pattern claim is accurate, what are some possible troubleshoots a hired electrician might follow to solve the mystery? (Additional facts: home is electric baseboard heat; energy saver appliances were installed prior to the increased KWH bills)

 

[480sparky]

They're simply benchmarking one known, good meter against the existing, unknown one.

If the readings over a period of time are equal, they re-install the existing meter. If not, they need to chage it.


This may be the result of a court-ordered investigation. What to look for? A marijuana grow operation.

 

[mivey]

My first guesses would be:
Bad thermostats. Dity air filters. Appliances not cutting off. Longer billing cycle (meter read dates changed?). Confused customer. Thieving neighbor. Lying guests/children. High impedance fault.

 

[benaround]

M,

Years ago I had a customer with a similar problem, Her bill went way up for

no apparent reason. The house had wire mesh and plaster for the walls and

ceilings. I was about out of tricks trying to find out what the problem was and

the time was adding up, as a last resort I pulled the meter ( with everything

turned off ) and installed some #10 jumpers. Next I put the Amp/Clamp around

the jumpers and on one of them current was flowing!!!! replaced the SEU

cable from meter to panel and all was well. The service was about 20-25 year

old. My point is, it's hard to give troubleshooting advise on these things.

Good Luck,

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

If this single-family dwelling homeowner hadn't been present to explain I probably would've stood there puzzled for a few minutes before hazarding a guess as to what was going on.

click here for full size image

Seems that despite no change in the homeowner's strictly monitored consumption pattern there had been a noticeable increase in the billed KWH.
The top meter had recently been installed by the POCO as a test meter (note the hand-written "test" in black marker).
They will return at a later date and compare the change in KWH measured on both meters over the test period.

Should the homeowner's meter test ok, and also assuming the consumption pattern claim is accurate, what are some possible troubleshoots a hired electrician might follow to solve the mystery? (Additional facts: home is electric baseboard heat; energy saver appliances were installed prior to the increased KWH bills)

My guess is, one or more of the new energy saving appliances is not functioning properly, or... they pulled the 'ole "Let's put the old refrigerator in the garage for overflow ketchup and relish instead of just throwing it out..."

 

[M_BROWNLOW]

Thanks all for the helpful suggestions and comments.

 

[M. D.]

The top meter is labeled "test" as in test meter I assume

 

[tom baker]

We installed LEDs on a traffic signal, normally the KWH drops 80% or so, but the consumption on the meter went up 10X. Turns out the meter was defective - its the only time in 30 years I have seen that happen.

 

[brantmacga]

my local utility will do this upon request, but its also a two-way street. If they think the meter is benefiting the customer, you will be back-charged the avg. kwh for the previous 12/mo. I have customers who've experienced both. One went in the hole to the POCO almost $600, and I have another customer who's more than likely about to get caught with a slow meter. I had been trying to convince them to change the service because its the biggest safety hazard I have ever personally laid eyes on, and they kept refusing. Finally the guy gives in and tells me that on his 3k sq. ft. house, w/ the A/C running all day long, his power bill is around $30/mo and he doesn't want the POCO coming out.