Do you have to allow meter readers to gain entry?

Abbafan1972

I had a meter reader call today and I turned him away. He went away without a word, but ages ago I had one come who said I have to allow him to read it.

Simple fact is, I don't like strange people coming into my house, unless it's an engineer or tradesman who I'm expecting. When a reading is due, I submit it online to EDF, simples.

Am I legally obliged to let them in?

utility_csa

The gas and electricity supply licences set out the obligations that apply to suppliers
operating in the gas and electricity markets, including certain obligations in relation
to two yearly meter inspections. The scope of the two yearly meter inspections
primarily focuses on safety but also includes theft detection and meter reading
frequency.

ic

A quick search seems to show that:

Suppliers are required to read and inspect your meter(s) at least every two years – although some suppliers may visit more frequently. Bills, between supplier meter readings, are issued using estimates based mainly on past consumption.

From ofgem.

Gloomendoom

I don't believe you are if they just turn up on the doorstep without prior arrangement. However, if you keep on refusing entry, they may get a warrant. They will probably insist on doing a safety check every one or two years.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

when he reports that you refused entry, it will ring alarm bells, your supplier will think you are 'at it', that you have the meter screwed, why else would you refuse entry.

They will raise a warrant and force entry if required, and you will have to pay the costs.

Just let the bloke in, it's less than a minute.

ALIBOBSY

I would imagine they have some system in place for people who are nervous of having someone in the house for whatever reason. I assume you can arrange a specific appointment to give you chance to arrange for someone else to be there when you let them in.

Ali x

macman

Assuming that they have proper ID, why be so obstructive? They are entitled to have access to their meter.

[Deleted User]

If you are with British Gas, they are quite keen to get a reading once a year at least. We have to make visits after 5 .0 pm or Saturdays to obtain these and we will be sent back and back until we get one.. Other times its up to you. There is no legal obligation in place for any meter readers unless we have the backing of a warrant. This only happens if you consistantly refuse access to the meters for over 2 years.I suppose its obvious that the suppliers would like to check the meters for faults and tampers and verify your own readings every now and then, after all you a using thousands of pounds worth of energy.
To the OP, if you dont want the chap or chapess in the house why dont you just get the readings yourself for him while he waits at the door, then every bodys happy

Terrylw1

Its 2 years for gas but 2 years from your switch date for elec. That's from Ofgem's Standard Licence Conditions (SLC).

You don't have to let anyone in if you don't want to but you do have to be prepared for the outcome to your action. Suppliers are aware of customers who are uneasy about non agreed visits so should be following up with a letter requesting access due to the need for the safety check. After this they can pursue a warrant but they have to exhaust the routes open to them first and applying for a warrant without any follow up based on being turned away once isn't going to cut it.

Ifs often asked why does someone not want a meter reader with a valid ID in there house. There are many reasons, consider the elderly who feel intimidated or the mentally disabled who feel threatened without support or a woman who feels threatened by being alone with a strange man due to past experiences. These scenarios do exist and having an ID doesn't guarantee it isn't a forgery or that the person coming into your house is any more law abiding than the next person.

chanz4

With continued refused access, an mp2/ rd1 flow will be produced to your supplier. This will say that you have refussed them access, the supplier then may look at the fact you are giving your own reads to either lower your bills or tamper.

A supplier then may apply for an inspection warrant, to which may have costs attached.

Joyful

If you feel uncomfortable about strangers you can ask your supplier to add a password to your accounts. This will be passed on to meter readers and engineers calling on behalf of the company.