Can I get Simply Energy to test my meter if I think it is wrong?
What happens when you request a meter test with Simply Energy, who pays, and how billing gets corrected if a fault is confirmed.
Regulator
State energy ombudsman (EWON in NSW, EWOV in VIC, EWOQ in QLD)
Key legislation
National Energy Retail Law and the National Energy Retail Rules
Dispute path
Letter first, deadline tracked. If they go quiet, escalation to State energy ombudsman (EWON in NSW, EWOV in VIC, EWOQ in QLD) is prepped and ready.
Yes, and it is worth doing properly rather than just calling to complain about a high bill. Put the request in writing, quote your meter identification number, and explain briefly why you believe the meter is inaccurate, ideally with a comparison against a similar earlier period where usage was not in dispute. A clear, specific request is harder to brush off than a general complaint that the bill "seems high."
If the test confirms the meter is faulty, Simply Energy is required to correct your billing to reflect what your genuine usage actually was for the affected period. You should not be charged for a test that proves the fault, that cost sits with the retailer, not you. If the meter tests accurate, ask Simply Energy to account for the change some other way rather than simply closing the complaint.
Keep a copy of your request, the meter identification number, and whatever comparison data you used to raise the concern. If Simply Energy refuses to test the meter, or tests it but will not properly correct the billing afterward, escalate to your state energy ombudsman, EWON, EWOV or EWOQ. It is free, independent, and can direct testing and require the correction itself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I formally request a meter test?
In writing, quoting your meter identification number and the reason you believe it is inaccurate. A specific, documented request works better than a general complaint.
What happens if the meter is confirmed faulty?
Simply Energy must correct your billing to reflect genuine usage for the affected period, and should not charge you for the test.
What if the meter tests as accurate?
Ask Simply Energy to explain the usage change some other way. You are entitled to a proper explanation, not just a closed complaint.
Is there a cost to me for requesting a test?
Not if the meter turns out to be faulty. A fee may apply only where the meter tests accurate, confirm this before proceeding.
How far back can the correction go?
It should cover the entire period the confirmed fault affected, ask Simply Energy to confirm the exact corrected period.
What if Simply Energy won’t cooperate?
Escalate to your state energy ombudsman, free of charge, which can independently direct testing and order the billing corrected.
What if Simply Energy just ignores my letter?
Silence is not a dead end, it is a deadline breach. Simply Energy is expected to respond to a formal complaint within 30 days. Build your letter with us and we track that deadline for you: a countdown check-in two weeks in, and if they miss the deadline, your escalation to your state energy ombudsman (EWON in NSW, EWOV in Victoria, EWOQ in Queensland, or your state equivalent) arrives pre-filled and ready to lodge. Escalating is free.
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