Faulty meter box replacement

help_meplease

Oh my goodness, has anyone had problem with phoenix gas(or any other gas company).

We got a bill for over £700 to replace our meter box as its lid is cracked and one of the sides is slightly caved in. The meter itself is 100%. Phoenix say the outer case is now unsafe, and this is the repair bill.

They say we are liable as it is in our driveway, however it is a plastic case, placed on a driveway, what do they expect. Surely they are liable as they put the meter in a plastic box on a driveway where cars are meant to drive into and park. There were lots of other accessible places they could have placed the meter box, including 1 foot further up the driveway, where there is a fence so the car cant drive.

Any advice would be hepful

ollski

Meter box is classed as fabric of the building and belongs to you, not sure what sort of box you have but they are available as replacements online as are locks, hinges etc. 700.00 sounds like a good few days work so not sure what they are quoting you up for....I'd tell em to jog on.

spiro

What do you mean by 'on the driveway'?
Is the box completely above ground level or partially underground?
You also have to bear in mind that it is possible the builders got the meter boxes instalkled before the houses wwere built and fences erected.

chanz4

sounds like

[Deleted User]

Jewsons sell the complete box, was about £50-£60 last time I asked (3 year ago), you can have the whole meter moved to a less obstructive spot for something around the £350 and upwards mark depending on how many metres its moved. Only National Grids contractors move it,contact your supplier to arrange this.Thats totally ridiculous £700 for a new box.

lemontart

National Grid do not operate in Northern Ireland other than to handle the gas emergency service calls on behalf of the 2 companies that own the gas network there, have you tried contacting the firmus for quote as the market as now been de regulated in the area and you have the choice in some areas of what they can do for you.

http://www.uregni.gov.uk/gas/
http://www.firmusenergy.co.uk
http://www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/

or as others have suggested you may be able to purchase a box elsewhere, however if it is what is referred to as a semi concealed one you still may need the owners of the pipe to do some work as it may involve doing work on the supply pipe to the meter to change the box which only they are allowed to do.