Scottish power want us to have new electric meter

Terrylw1

macman wrote: »

I was told by the guy who changed our meter that they also do emergency call out work. They schedule a number of meter changes on each shift, but if they need to attend a leak or other emergency then that obviously takes priority.

Yeah, that's always been what Meter Operator managers have said to me. Since those guys are doing jobs that can wait since the meters life is regarding accuracy, not safety, they will use these guys to cover emergencies but also to pick up higher priority jobs that come through from escalated issues that suppliers need help with.

Terrylw1

skivenov wrote: »

I had this at my old workshop (the meter was older than time itself).

When he showed up, they asked where the meter was. I pointed to the corner behind 3 dismantled cars.

They asked me if I could move the parts, I declined but said he could if he wanted to.

Strangely, he declined and never came back until I moved out a year later.

They just report it as Meter Blocked to the supplier. They should make contact to try and resolve the issue. For a recertification, the Meter Operator's support staff might do it.

If the customer won't help, it can go to a warrant.

To be honest, you see a lot of meters blocked by rubbish in garages or basements, health risks with basements and cupboards built around them. Its a rejection that's always been a tricky one for a supplier to approach unless they are willing to go to warrants so its often ended up with no follow through.

Wywth

Wilt wrote: »

Is it only ten minutes though? It may have changed, but my previous experiences for meter changing is that you need to take the entire day off work - and then only receive a measly £20 in compensation if (when) the fitter fails to turn up.

You can demand a 2 hour window slot if you ask, but you may have to be a little forceful.
Usually they like to offer a morning, afternoon or evening slot only.

For my last 2 meter changes, one was done during a 6-8pm timeslot and the other was carried out on a Saturday morning, neither of which involved me in taking any time off work.

skivenov

Terrylw1 wrote: »

They just report it as Meter Blocked to the supplier. They should make contact to try and resolve the issue. For a recertification, the Meter Operator's support staff might do it.

If the customer won't help, it can go to a warrant.

To be honest, you see a lot of meters blocked by rubbish in garages or basements, health risks with basements and cupboards built around them. Its a rejection that's always been a tricky one for a supplier to approach unless they are willing to go to warrants so its often ended up with no follow through.

Yeah, think the guy was about as botherred as I was, so I never heard anything back.

Which is good, because half my sockets didn't even run through the meter, and I've no idea who was paying for the 3phase. It just came in through the wall and ended in a socket... gotta love previous tenants!

hubb

[text removed by MSE Forum Team]

I phoned them on their 3p per min number and was left waiting for at least 10 mins. They told me a date (mid Nov so it wasn't quite as urgent as they made out in the rather curt letter) and I said fine. Afternoon time BUT they said I will need at least half a day around that. So yes, it is an inconvenience, not for the 20-30 mins doing the job, but hanging around for it. I could be out shooting photographs for my libary but now have to stay in half a day. If it is so critical they have to get in and out and do the job, why such a vague and wide timescale ?

[Deleted User]

The biggest section of meter blocked for exchanges are the huge numbers of gas meters tucked away in corners of kitchens. This is a time bomb awaiting. These expensive fancy built in kitchens are built tightly around the meters. I have to use an extending mirror just to see the reading. The owners are all aghast at the thought of having to dismantle to get at the meters and say its not their problem The meter fitters march in and straight out again in 20 seconds after a brief look. I ve met plenty of people who ve had half a dozen meter fitters turn up in the last few years. I spoke to a (then ) Transgo manager about this common problem and his answer was short and sweet, either rip your kitchen corner to pieces or we cut you off.

hubb

As the new meter fitted was electronic with a flashing red light I have no idea how it works as the old one was a rotating dial which was big and heavy. Apparently this will be sent off and tested and used again. The guy told me that they are very good meters which worries me. The flashing red light flashes on and off at a greater speed than the dial completed a full rotation.

george1939

Wilt wrote: »

I'm not the OP, just thought it would be worth pointing out that actually ensuring somebody is at home can be a major problem. This then gets worse if the fitter fails to turn up when you are at home for an appointment.

Thanks for the updated info re. timeslots & compo.

I agree** it isn't always as simple as just a ten minute job for a lot of people**,
In my case the fitter could not remove the main fuse so he left. A few weeks later another team arrived to sort out the main fuse box. They dug up an area outside and opened up the wires to isolate all inside house. They placed in a new fuse box then splized back the wires outside made good went away. A couple of weeks later the fitter came back replaced the meter. I asked for a isolation box after the meter he said this would have to be a return. Arrived back couple of weeks later All sorted now

hubb

So how can I trust the new electronic meter is going to be as accurate as my old one ? Again (as my last post states) the fitter said the old meters are very good and reliable.

Swipe

Sometimes they just replace them for the sake of it. I had a brand new one fitted when I swapped from E7 to single rate. i changed supplier shortly afterwards and 9 months later I had letters telling me they need to change my meter again (it had only clocked just over 1000 units). I emailed and argued with them, even sent the serial number of the meter but they still insisted it was to be changed. Some guy came round and swapped it for an identical model. Even he said it was a complete waste of his time. Luckily, they did arrange an evening appointment.