Low usage electricity charge

zetecescort

I have a meter in a farmyard and now getting hit with the low usage charge. Last bill was for €5 electricity and €45 low usage charge.

Whats my best option? Currently with Electric Ireland, do the other providers have this charge?

Not too bothered paying a few cent more per unit once I can dodge the low usage charge.

Thanks

Victor

Would it be possible to combine all your meters into one and have your own private meter to indicate what the farm usage is?

zetecescort

Thanks Victor, but the farm is a few miles away from the farm I live on. Like I said, I'd be happy paying a little extra per unit once I'd avoid the low usage charge.
Would like to know if the other provider have this charge.

thanks

air

What are you using the electricity for?
It might be more economical to get it disconnected until you need a full supply, although you will need a new RECI cert if you leave it disconnected over 2 years IIRC.

zetecescort

Using the power for lights in sheds, power tools occasionally. I have a workshop there to maintain machines but not using power every day.


Thanks

Victor

How about getting a mini-generator?

Chain_reaction

air wrote: »

What are you using the electricity for?
It might be more economical to get it disconnected until you need a full supply, although you will need a new RECI cert if you leave it disconnected over 2 years IIRC.

After 6 months a reci cert would be needed no?

meercat

air wrote: »

What are you using the electricity for?
It might be more economical to get it disconnected until you need a full supply, although you will need a new RECI cert if you leave it disconnected over 2 years IIRC.

you will have to apply for a new connection if you disconnect for 2 years
dont do this as there are substantial costs involved in this process

http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/en/domestic-customers/restoring_a_connection.jsp

just continue as you are imho

air

I'd have to agree with meercat. I was going to suggest solar if you were just running an electric fence or something but power tools are different story. Even if using a generator seemed practical, you'd need quite a large one in order to drive the motors in power tools.

zetecescort

Thanks for all your help. I'm after sending a few emails to other provider to see what they say.

Thanks

Angel moi

Im being charged 69euro for 2 "energy saving" lightbulbs in a small hallway leading to 2 apartments
I assumed this was a mistake but no! I had a very frustrating conversation with Conor of EI & was told this is a "low usage" charge,when i asked abot carbon footprints there was silence from Conor!
I believe this charge is to make up for all the people who run off without paying their bills
We are the sitting targets subsidising non payment from them
I am definitely changing supplier as soon as i can

djimi

At a guess I would imagine the charge is down to their being a cost to provide each account with electricity, below which its not worth their while to provide as they will lose money on the account. Just a guess though!

Idbatterim

how much do you have to spend to avoid the low electricity charge?

djimi

I think you have to average more than 2 units per day over the course of the billing cycle to avoid the charge.

The charge should be €9.45 per bill (2 months); not sure why the OP was charged €45?

Angel moi

I understand there would be a standing charge but 69euro for 2 lightbulbs in a hallway??!!
I was told if i was using over 2 units per day i would be saving 20euro per bill
That make sense? Not to me,in other words they suggested i up my consumption!
Carbon footprint? Seems Electric Ireland is only paying lip service to being environmentally responsible

djimi

Angel moi wrote: »

I understand there would be a standing charge but 69euro for 2 lightbulbs in a hallway??!!
I was told if i was using over 2 units per day i would be saving 20euro per bill
That make sense? Not to me,in other words they suggested i up my consumption!
Carbon footprint? Seems Electric Ireland is only paying lip service to being environmentally responsible

Being environmentally responsible is all fine and well but they are a business and as such need to turn a profit. If they are losing money on your account then they will not allow that to happen. They have set a low usage charge to ensure that your account is profitable for them, and have suggested an alternative to you which allows you to avoid said charge. What more do you expect them to do?

Angel moi

The "option" they suggested will not work as there are only 2 lightbulbs in the hallway & no other electrical points to up the units,anyway why would i want to up my usage when its not neccessary!!!!

brownswiss

Not sure if this has been discussed before.

Has there always been different Rural and Urban charges? The standing charge and low usage charge are higher for rural areas

Victor

brownswiss wrote: »

Not sure if this has been discussed before.

Has there always been different Rural and Urban charges? The standing charge and low usage charge are higher for rural areas

AFAIK, yes. There is more equipment (poles, wires, etc.) per property and greater energy loss in transmission for rural properties.