ESB Networks issue update to thousands affected by smart meter glitch
ESB Networks have provided a fresh update following a significant technical fault that resulted in numerous households receiving bills suggesting they had consumed thousands of euro worth of electricity.Electric Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy and Energia customers reported extraordinarily inflated meter readings earlier this month, with several householders highlighting the problem on Reddit. Multiple users stated their meters indicated they owed thousands in charges based on merely a few days' worth of energy consumption.ESB Networks, responsible for managing smart meter operations, distributed faulty meter data covering the period from 6 March to 8 March.An ESB Networks spokesperson confirmed the problem stemmed from an internal software malfunction, reports RSVP Live."This is an internal software issue and is not related to the integrity of smart meters or the recorded energy use," the spokesperson explained. "We are in the process of identifying and resolving the issue in our systems and will systematically correct all affected data."ESB have now revealed that rectifying normal information for a portion of affected customers is proving "longer than originally anticipated".ESB Networks informed the Irish Independent: "On Friday, March 6, a planned software upgrade to an ESB Networks internal system caused some customers' meter readings to be processed incorrectly, causing high and incorrect usage figures to be sent to all suppliers and to be displayed in customers' ESB Networks online account." The organisation confirmed that "more than 99pc of the affected customers' usage data has now been corrected and we are aware that some suppliers have commenced billing"."It is taking longer than we originally anticipated to restore normal information for the last 0.5pc," the body added. "When ESB Networks has completed the data correction for the remaining customers, that corrected data will be provided to suppliers."However, despite the disruption caused, they've indicated no compensation will be forthcoming for those impacted."While we understand the inconvenience caused, compensation does not apply in this circumstance," they stated.Smart meters are designed to enable customers to access comprehensive information and insights about their energy consumption directly via the ESB Networks online account. Approximately four in five households have had a smart meter fitted.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
