Access to allow Gas/Elec Company Read Meter

humfer

My meters are on the side of the house, which you get to by going in via the side gate as the other side and walking around the back of the house/garden. BG have read the meter at least twice when I have been out and I assume they have let themselves into the back garden. Just thinking about putting a lock on the side gate (not necessarily becuase I want to keep BG out) for general security. I assume I'm allowed to? If BG turn up, I'm out and they cannot get access what do they do - request a time/day to come back or just get me to telephone them with the reading?

BruceyBonus

Most people have their meters indoors anyway - so I can't really see putting a lock on the gate as being a problem. When we are out, they just shove a card through the door and we supply the reading online/over the phone.

Ken68

Sometimes the meter readers put a small ticket thru the letter box, and you enter the numbers and display it in the window.

Premier_2

You will have to allow the supplier access to the gas meter at least once every 2 years.

Other than that, you can supply your own readings or just let them estimate the usage if you are not in when they call.

If you want to lock the gate for increased security, go ahead. Many meter readers will not open a side gate (without the owner being present) even if it isn't locked; you appear to have have one that does at present, but that person may change anyway.