My Usage Data report shows different data than the AGL app

[NTL_5501]

My property is currently under construction, and no one lives there yet. However, I noticed that the app shows electricity usage during the first five days after connection, as if energy was being used continuously, 24 hours a day, including some solar feed-in. This seems odd, as no solar panels have been installed yet, and the house is unoccupied.

To investigate, I downloaded the Usage Data report (CSV), which shows no usage or feed-in for those same five days.

I need some clarification on the following:

1. Why there is a discrepancy between the app and the usage report?

2. Which data will be used for billing purposes—the one in the app or the one in the usage report?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[dale65a]

This is indeed a peculiar situation, especially with no one occupying the property and no solar panels installed yet. Let's break down the possible reasons for the discrepancy and address your billing concern, keeping in mind I don't have direct access to your specific app or utility data.

Why the discrepancy between the app and the usage report?

There are several potential reasons for this mismatch:

• App Display Lag or Default Values: The app might be showing a default value or experiencing a temporary lag in reflecting the actual meter readings, especially in the initial days after connection. It could be displaying a placeholder that assumes a typical continuous usage pattern.
• Meter Reading Synchronization Issues: There might be a delay in the meter data being fully and accurately synchronized with the app. The initial data displayed in the app might be preliminary or based on an estimated initial state. The CSV report, being a more direct export of the recorded data, could be reflecting the true readings (or lack thereof).
• Internal System Checks or Calibration: The electricity meter itself or the utility's system might be running internal checks or calibration processes in the initial period after connection. These processes might register as minimal usage in the app's interpretation but not be considered actual consumption in the raw data report.
• "Ghost" Readings: In rare cases, there could be very minor electrical leakage or phantom loads from newly connected but unused wiring or devices (though continuous 24/7 usage seems unlikely for this). The app might be more sensitive to these minimal fluctuations than the reporting threshold of the CSV.
• Solar Feed-in Error in the App: The app incorrectly showing solar feed-in when no panels are present strongly suggests an error in the app's data interpretation or display logic for your account's initial state. This further points towards the app data being unreliable for those first five days.
• Different Data Aggregation Periods: It's less likely given the five-day timeframe, but the app might be displaying data aggregated differently (e.g., estimated daily averages based on a short initial period) compared to the raw, point-in-time data in the CSV.

Which data will be used for billing purposes?

Generally, the data in the Usage Data report (CSV) is far more likely to be used for billing purposes. Here's why:

• Direct Meter Readings: The CSV report is usually a more direct representation of the actual meter readings recorded by the utility's infrastructure.
• Auditable Record: The CSV provides a more auditable and detailed record of your consumption (or lack thereof) over specific time intervals.
• Billing Accuracy: Utility billing systems rely on accurate meter readings, and the raw data logs (which the CSV likely reflects) are the primary source for this.

The app is often a customer-facing interface that provides a visual representation of the data, which can sometimes have display glitches or processing delays.

Recommendation:

1. Monitor for Further Changes: Keep an eye on both the app and the subsequent usage reports. If the app continues to show usage while the reports show none, the discrepancy persists.
2. Contact Your Electricity Provider: The best course of action is to directly contact your electricity provider's customer service. Explain the situation clearly:
   • Your property is under construction and unoccupied.
   • No solar panels are installed.
   • The app shows continuous usage and solar feed-in for the first five days.
   • The downloaded Usage Data report (CSV) for the same period shows no usage or feed-in.
   • Inquire which data source they will use for billing.
   • Request clarification on the initial readings and the possibility of a meter or app configuration error.

By contacting your provider, you can get an official explanation and ensure that your billing is based on the accurate usage data (which, based on your description, seems to be the zero usage reported in the CSV). The discrepancy in the app strongly suggests an issue on their end that needs to be addressed.

[NTL_5501]

Wow DALE65A, thank you for such a detailed response. I will contact AGL and post the outcome.

Most appreciated!