Scottish power want us to have new electric meter

hubb

We are not with Scottish Power, we are with EDF. We had a letter sent out saying SP urgently need to change our electricity meter as it is too old.

As we are not with them, is this some kind of scam to get us to change to them ?

Thanks.

suzuki1_2

We had the same letter a few months ago and like you we are with EDF. I took exception to the tone of the letter especially the bit that told me that it was THE LAW. I phoned EDF but it was right enough and eventually I relented and got the meter changed to a small dinky one - apparently the meters need replacing every so often to make sure they are reading your usage correctly. We got a definite time and a definite date and the guy arrived on time, did a tidy job and left. No scam I just didn't like the wording on Scottish Powers letter as it was very offhand. Scottish Power also put a sticker above your new meter to show when it was changed and what the meter reading was on the old one and used a hand held computer at the time (he showed me it being done) to inform EDF of my old meter reading. We have since been billed and the old meter reading and the new one were handled just fine. No scam though that was certainly my first thought at the time.

daffodil

Not sure.

Might be a good idea to ask them what sort of meter it is

Theres a lot of information out there about these smart meters.

I dont want one of them but its up to you.

I had a new meter installed a year or two ago and it seems ok:A

macman

No, because EDF don't own the meter, nor does any supplier do so just because they happen to supply you. SP are presumably the meter operator or DNO in your region, so it's perfectly legit and commonplace-millions of meters are replaced every year.
Make sure that you take your own opening and closing readings at changeover though.

hubb

I might just leave it. I have more important things to do.

macman

You don't haver to do anything, just give them access when required. They'll keep badgering you until you do. It's about a 15 minute job.

grahamc2003

hubb wrote: »

I might just leave it. I have more important things to do.

They have a legal obligation for on going and continuous meter replacement, so it isn't up to you.

[Deleted User]

They wont leave you alone, you will get constant letters every couple of months. As the above poster says, they have a legal authority to replace the meters as and when they need to. On the other hand, if they are not replacing your meter with a smart meter, you will have to go through the same thing again later on. I dont think EDF have started their smart roll out programme yet. I had the same thing when I was with EDF this year and they just wanted to replace it with a normal meter so I switched to BG and they fitted a very useful smart meter within a month, complete with its excellent monitor

rogerblack

Will they eventually escalate to kicking the door in?

[Deleted User]

That will come in the distant future rogerblack, we havent got into loads of electric prepays in seven years. Theres no 2 year minimum inspection on prepays. Have sent in a complaint to OFGEM about this a few months ago, and lo and behold I recieve 5 gas prepays (BG) to inspect on a two year inspection rule this week, my first ever for BG.. One was bypassed, one wont open the door ! even though they are at home

chanz4

hubb wrote: »

I bet you would. I run a business and don't have free time to just fritter away on things that possibly are not necessary.

You need to be less aggressive.

Under the rights of entry act, they have a right to apply for a warrant and do it. And they also will have the right to charge you for it.