Energy meter reader trespass??

chanz4

Terrylw1 wrote: »

But since the t&c's include you giving "reasonable" access, what is classes as reasonable?

The supplier is going to use that t&c against you so it would need something in the Tort to overrule it. This would effectively make the clause illegal in the contracts.

They are picking what they want, and ignoring the rest so I wouldn't waste your breath. UK is also the same

uk1

Repeat .... i must not feed the toll.

Jamie_Carter

Terrylw1 wrote: »

This depends on the agreement in place between the supplier and the agent.

Agents are contracted to take readings at X periods. To prevent them going out at that time, the supplier needs to send them your reading quick enough. If its a month early, it won't be sufficient to cancel a visit in many cases.

So, whilst the ability is there, it does rely on getting the timing right.

Another issue is reading validation. Often the supplier uses your reading but the meter reading side fail it, hence it becomes a nothing reading. Unless the supplier intervened and ensured it was validates, which they are supposed to do, it wouldn't stop them going out. Getting them to validate a reading their systems don't like is also problematic and it can take weeks/months and even escalation to contract managers.

I remember one such situation years ago where the agent didn't have the resource and before that, suppliers commonly just left it failed. Nowadays this, is changing as suppliers realise just how much money they are wasting plus the industry has pushed them to improve in his area via a project that far outstrips Ofgem's actions.

Rubbish. They don't even request the meter reading more than a month before your bill is calculated. And in most cases, if you fail to submit a reading then they just give you an estimate. Otherwise they wouldn't be saving any money, and you wouldn't get a discount on your bill.

Jamie_Carter

Terrylw1 wrote: »

Here is Npower's statement.

19. Access to your meter You will need to give us reasonable access to read, install, test, inspect, repair, remove or replace your meter when necessary. We may also need access to convert your meter from a ‘credit’ setting to a ‘prepayment’ setting (or vice versa), or to cut off or reconnect your supply.

So, by agreeing to the t&c's in switching, they gain your approval.

I'm sure every supplier also has included this. So, unless there is something which overrides this and I seem to recall this all falls under Torts, its agreed by Ofgem sin e they don't oppose it.

I always love the "reasonable" wording in this industry...its responsible for so many poor actions. The question is what is reasonable? Given that's open to each supplier to decide, it becomes pretty useless and is going to rely on basic common sense! That is often thrown out the window when it cones to targets, bonuses and making money until the bad press starts.

Climbing over, or unbolting physical barriers that are set in place to prevent intruders, is not reasonable.

Reasonable is for the company to request, and obtain permission from the householder for each visit. This would normally be done for a reading by a simple knock at the door. If the meter is beyond a barrier, and the householder isn't in to give permission, then it is not reasonable to breach any physical barriers.

Terms & Conditions do not overule the law.

Jamie_Carter

chanz4 wrote: »

I do it as my daily job, the police do not have to be there. The police will attend if its a confirmed farm or breach of the peace.

Warrants for tamper and rights of meter inspection are separate type of warrants. I don't think you understand how it works.

I never said fake statements, however if their is reasonable doubt as to the reason for you refusing access or suspicion of tamper, It can be processed and will be. When a reader sends a flow, it sends a mp2 stating suspected theft everyone of these must be acted ons.

I think you need retraining on your legal powers of entry.

We are talking about meter reading, not suspected tampering or cannabis farms.

Only the police or fire service can enter a property without consent or a warrant. Even the UK Border Agency will take police along with them.

uk1

Jamie,

You are wasting your time trying to rationalise with the irrational.

Jamie_Carter

uk1 wrote: »

And your point is what exactly? You have to get THE WARRANT! You are clearly having a comprehension failure.

Exactly...you don't use a warrant to read a meter.

Jamie_Carter

uk1 wrote: »

Jamie,

You are wasting your time trying to rationalise with the irrational.

Well all I can suggest is that everyone submits on line readings. Then this will put most of these people who think they can do what they want out of a job. They will have brought this on themselves by their poor attitude and training.

Maybe G4S will call the army in to so what they fail to do properly themselves

chanz4

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

Well all I can suggest is that everyone submits on line readings. Then this will put most of these people who think they can do what they want out of a job. They will have brought this on themselves by their poor attitude and training.

Maybe G4S will call the army in to so what they fail to do properly themselves

or even you, who would get sacked after a week for getting no reads lol

Jamie_Carter

chanz4 wrote: »

or even you, who would get sacked after a week for getting no reads lol

That doesn't even make sense. But you have shown that you are prepared to do whatever it takes (legal or not), just to get a reading. And this is why I don't want people like you anywhere near my home.

Thankfully one of my meters is inside, and the other is round the back of the house, where it isn't possible to gain access. So on the rare occasions that a manual reading is done, they have to knock on my door, and ask politely. And then I have no problem in letting them in.