In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Oshiponga wrote:

I've had storage heaters in my house since I moved in and not had a
massive problem with electricity bills. Recently though, I've had a
frightening bill from British Gas who say that in a month my night
rate electricity has used just over 1000 units (I gave a meter reading
about a month ago and compared it with todays). Even the BG bloke
seemed surprised.

What they have asked me to do is monitor the reading at the same time
every day for 7 days and then call them back with the information.
They will then do some sums and work out if the meter needs checking.

My big question is this: Is is feasable that the meter can go tits-up
as this is what they seem to be suggesting? Its a new electronic dual
rate one..

Incidentally if someone could point out the typical consumption of an
18 brick Dimplex storage heater, I can also do some sums. I'm
assuming they are around 1.5 - 2.5 kWh?

Are you sure that BOTH meter readings are correct? Are they both *actual*
readings, or is one an estimate? Estimated readings can be quite different
from real ones!

Storage heaters *can* consume a lot of energy. Some have inputs as high as
3.5Kw. If one such heater is running full chat for 7 hours, every night for
a month, it will use 735 kWh.

I note from your subsequent post that you have more than one - but that they
are on half-charge. I'm not sure what that means. It could mean reduced
power input. It could also mean that it cuts out before it gets to its max
rated temperature. In this second case, if it loses all its heat during the
day, it could still be taking in heat all night.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
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