Scottishpower want to change mter, but I'm with EDF ??

Suzanne28

I recieved a letter that was addressed to "the occupier" from Scottishpower telling me that someone will be visiting to change the existing electricity meter on wednesday.

Thing is, I get my electric and gas from EDF, pay by direct debit and am upto date with payments. Although, the electricty used to be supplied by Scottishpower a couple of years ago and my partner hadn't paid the bills back then, I don't know if it was ever settled or not, but that isn't my responsibility.

My friend knows a colleague from work who had their meter changed and it was to a prepayment one, Scottishpower even broke into this persons house as they were out when they called, they had all sorts of problems apparently and it was because of the previous occupant having outstanding debt. This has got me all worried.

Can anyone offer advice what to do? Can Scottishpower change the meter if I get my electricity from EDF? Can they break in if I am not at home or if I refuse to let them change the meter?

elektra

Does the letter have a phone number on ?

If so, give them a call and see what they can explain

jalexa

Suzanne28 wrote: »

I recieved a letter that was addressed to "the occupier" from Scottishpower telling me that someone will be visiting to change the existing electricity meter on wednesday.

Can Scottishpower change the meter if I get my electricity from EDF?

Can they break in if I am not at home or if I refuse to let them change the meter?

Meters do get routinely changed periodically. If you are in the Scottish Power area, then regardless of who "bills" your electricity, the meter would be replaced by Scottish Power.

That is the innocuous explanation but I cannot comment whether that is the reason for the meter change. Look at the letter again.

If you are in Scotland they cannot force entry without a warrant and at this stage, for "innocuous" reasons, there are no grounds for a warrant to be granted.

Best give them a call as the previous poster suggests. At this stage being "at work" on Wednesday is a perfectly reasonable excuse to be out.

If you agree access for a "like for like" meter change (which you cannot refuse), though you can deny access if there is no warrant, I recommend you take a photograph of the old meter and carefully check that the details on the paper-work you are given agrees with the removed meter.

Suzanne28

Thanks. There is a number on the letter, but when I ring just get a message saying they are unavailable weekends, only available 9-5 mon-fri.

It just seems strange that they addressed to "the occupier" and not to me, as surely if it was all legit and something authorised by EDF they would have my name.

jalexa

Suzanne28 wrote: »

It just seems strange that they addressed to "the occupier" and not to me, as surely if it was all legit and something authorised by EDF they would have my name.

It *probably* is legit and Scottish Power are operating as "Distribution Network Operator" or DNO (assuming you are in the Scottish Power supply region). Just guessing, but perhaps "Data Protection" prevents Scottish Power knowing your name?

No harm in also asking Edf but I'm not 100% certain that they would know about, or have to authorise, a routine meter change in advance. They would however receive the meter change details after the change, which is why it is really important for you to check them for accuracy.

StevieJ

Scottish Power changed my meter yesterday, probably the same bloke, I am in Chester Actually it wasn't Scottish Power, it was G4S omn behalf of.

st999

There is a number on the letter, but when I ring just get a message saying they are unavailable weekends, only available 9-5 mon-fri

That is scandalous. If they send letters that you receive out with these hours that has a phone number on it, they could at least have someone there to answer the phones.

Not everyone is available 9-5 mon-fri to phone them.

I would write to my MP and complain.

Smidster

I have just got back to find a letter from G4S, on behalf on ScottishPower, saying that they came to change the meter today but I wasn't at home

Shouldn't they have given me some sort of notice, or at least opportunity to arrange a convenient time?

Am I also worrying needlessly about Prepayment meters - Our account is well in credit and always has been with very regular meter readings.

Quentin

They regularly update the meters, so don't worry about getting a prepayment meter.

Presumably they are now wanting you to make arrangements for them to gain access at a mutually agreeable time??

If not just ignore them till they contact you!

Smidster

Quentin wrote: »

Presumably they are now wanting you to make arrangements for them to gain access at a mutually agreeable time??

If not just ignore them till they contact you!

Nope - this was a guy who hand delivered the note (similar to a post office one) saying he should have done it today.

macman

st999 wrote: »

That is scandalous. If they send letters that you receive out with these hours that has a phone number on it, they could at least have someone there to answer the phones.

Not everyone is available 9-5 mon-fri to phone them.

I would write to my MP and complain.

Who I am sure has absolutely nothing better to do.