E-on Meter Reading

munchings-n-crunchings

Sorry, this may be basic but....

I have an E-on online electricity tariff, and regularly input my meter readings, and always went prompted by a reminder email.

I am under the impression, I only need to have my meter read by them once every 12 months? Just to check it's all in order.

Are these meter readers on commission?
They are being quite intimidating, and saying they MUST come in and read my meter, regardless of me reading it the day before.
I have have this response for the last 2 quarters.

I would like to shut the door on them, but I'm too scared to. I know that sounds stupid. But just being on my own, I want to have a choice, and If I say no, then they should leave.

Am I right, that I only need it reading once a year? and for me to do the remainder?

Munchie

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if you refuse the meter reader entry to access the meter, the company is going to think that you are 'at' the meter, they will eventually get a warrant of entry and force entry, possibly causing damage, and further cost, easier just to let reader in.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

munchings-n-crunchings wrote: »

Sorry, this may be basic but....

I have an E-on online electricity tariff, and regularly input my meter readings, and always went prompted by a reminder email.

I am under the impression, I only need to have my meter read by them once every 12 months? Just to check it's all in order.

Are these meter readers on commission?
They are being quite intimidating, and saying they MUST come in and read my meter, regardless of me reading it the day before.
I have have this response for the last 2 quarters.

I would like to shut the door on them, but I'm too scared to. I know that sounds stupid. But just being on my own, I want to have a choice, and If I say no, then they should leave.

Am I right, that I only need it reading once a year? and for me to do the remainder?

Munchie

Hi Munchie

I'm really sorry if our meter readers have been intimidating in the past. This is not acceptable and I would strongly recommend you contact us and report these instances.

Some of our meter readers are employed by us and some work for independent companies we sub-contract the work to. They cover specific areas at particular times and will call on each household on their list.

Regardless of who they are employed by, we insist on courtesy at all times. Therefore, it is important we identify where individuals have behaved badly so appropriate action can be taken to prevent further such occurrences.

Although you enter readings online, we still have a responsibility to check your meter periodically. This is to make sure it is safe, works ok and has not been tampered with.

However, this does not mean you have to let our meter readers into your home whenever they call unannounced. You are perfectly entitled to refuse them entry.

To allow us to see the meter, it may be better for you to contact us and arrange a special visit. We will then call at a pre-determined time convenient to you. Once every 12 months would be fine.

A password can also be placed on your account which the meter readers must use in order to enter your property. This can be arranged very quickly. Just give us a call and we will do this for you straightaway.

These measures may help give you a little more re-assurance that the caller is genuine.

Again, I'm sorry you have had such unpleasant experiences but hope the above helps a little. Give me a shout if you need any more help.

Malc

michbeat

i have read a few replies of people mocking those who want to refuse entry. 'why would you not want to let them in...have you got skeletons in your closet' and so on. Well i am someone who does not like letting completely strange men into my house when i am alone. There have been a few occasions like when I had a new born baby, that i was still in my dressing gown, and this did not seem appropriate. Another time it was 8 in the morning when i was still getting myself and the children ready for school.
well today i had it confirmed, just why i dont like them coming in. Today i was ill, and my hubby was at home watching my 2 year old. He refused entry because i was still in my dressing gown with a temperatureand so he went next door. Ten minutes later my neighbour rang to say how scared she was of the meter reader, quoting that he was very strange. She said he shivered when he came back up from the cellar, and when she said 'dont you like cellars' he replied 'No, just people'. He then proceeded to tell her that 'He was tortured when he was little in a cellar'. My neighbour is not elderley, and yet she felt so uneasy about his presence that she felt that she needed report the incident.
Surely in this day and age, we should not have to tolerate strangers insisting entry. These meter readers could be absoloutely anybody, and how are we supposed to know what a genuine identity card looks like ?

jd87

And yet everyone seems to be against smart meters too...

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I think part of the problem is that some folks only see a meter reader every couple of years.

Years ago, before all the changes in the electricity industry, and the introduction of providing meter readings on line, the meter reader would be round every couple of months and folks would get to know him/her.

spiro

michbeat wrote: »

These meter readers could be absoloutely anybody, and how are we supposed to know what a genuine identity card looks like ?

Two ways, the card will have a phone number on you can call before letting him and as already said you can ask your supplier to set up a password which the meter reader will have to quote to gain access.