G4S AccuRead Ltd

jrrowleyws

missile wrote: »

I don't like being intimidated in my home and feel like winding him up in return. I am tempted to ask for his name and gas safe certificate number when he calls.

I dont think he needs a "gas safe" ID as he will only be looking for signs of tampering with the meter, and taking a reading, thats all.

missile

jrrowleyws wrote: »

I dont think he needs a "gas safe" ID as he will only be looking for signs of tampering with the meter, and taking a reading, thats all.

I know the inspection is just a ruse to gain access to read the meters and I find that dishonest.

Why not a polite note saying - "We were unble to read your meter on ........ We would like to call again on ........ Please phone ......... if this is not convenient and you would like to arrange another date" :A

Reggie_Rebel

Why don't you want them to read your meter?

missile

Reggie_Rebel wrote: »

Why don't you want them to read your meter?

I did not say, I would not let them read my meter. I said it was inconvenient at the time he called. I don't feel the need to justify or explain, you can use your imagination:).

bcl999

Quite right not to let him in if it was inconvenient but I think meters remain the property of the energy companies or something and they have legal right to access to read them once a year (or some other specified period).

missile

I have no problem with having my meters read. I am venting about the rude meter man demanding imediate entry and the dishonest letter. As stated, I resent being intimidated in my own home by these bully boy tactics.

I do appreciate that BG want to check people are not tampering with the meter. However their representative has no right to demand entry whenever it suits.

BG are legally obliged to send to the property in question a "Human Rights Letter" as required under the Rights of Entry Act 1954 Section 2. You will be given (normally 14 days but must be a minimum of 7 days) notice of the Warrant Action and will detail which Court the application will be made and at what time. You will have the right to object infront of the Magistrates.

see here > http://www.yourrights.org.uk/yourrights/privacy/power-of-officials-to-enter-your-home/gas-and-electricity-boards.html

missile

AFIK, utility companies use this legislation as last resort, e.g. to get warrants to gain entry and fit prepay meters in cases where there is a history of non payment.

I have no knowledge of any company applying for a warrant to read the meter.

FatAndy

missile wrote: »

Yesterday, I had a visit from a rather rude meter reader. "Come to read yer gas and leccy meters". It was not convenient and I refused entry. He then leant on my door buzzer and was quite insistent that I let him in, "you hae tae let me in". "No I don't, go away"

If you live in Spain like it says in your profile he must have made quite a detour to come and read your meters!

Having said that I agree that you shouldn't have to let someone into your house just because they demand it. I've got two young kids and I wouldn't want some stranger demanding to be let in if they were in bed, in the bath, etc. 99% of the time it wouldn't be a problem and I'd let them in but 1% of the time I'd tell them to sling their hook.

dane-katie

I would have told him to go away too, i have lived in same house for 4 years and no-one has ever come to read my meter, plus its not in my house its in a locked barn, which i have no keys for (i always loose them) they would be a bit stuffed if they came to my house lol

missile

FatAndy wrote: »

If you live in Spain like it says in your profile he must have made quite a detour to come and read your meters!
.

I have a house in spain >

and a flat in the UK.