Electricity Meter Changed, now facing charges

rjains99

We have had to have our electricity changed, as it was getting old. We have had it done, no problems or so I thought......
I've today received a letter from Scottish Power who did the work, claiming a seal had to be replaced as it was missing and have invoiced us £60.
Does that sound right, it seems steep especially as we weren't advised during the visit?
Can anyone advise me please? Thanks.

Ich_2

Sounds like someone has cut the calibration seal off the meter which could lead to criminal charges (the other ones should not be cut off either, something electricians seem to think is OK for them to do).
The meter changer is generally a contractor so would not be in a position to know the DNO policy

[Deleted User]

I see missing seals on thousands and thousands of meters, even though we report them missing I have never known a supplier take a blind bit of notice and do something about it. They are not interested in spending their money in replacing them.
We have just got the contract to read Scottish Power meters and my Manager has told me they at least are concerned about all these missing seals and will actually do something about it, so there may be something in what the OP says, but trying to charge the occupier for something an unauthorised electrician did sounds wrong Forget about any criminal charges whatsoever, even if you are caught nicking 5 ks worth of energy it does nt go to the police. They are happy just to get some money back and dont pass it on to the police,as they should, unless a cannabis farm is involved
Personally I would like to see every seal intact as its a pointer to a bypass, or it used to be until Ebay started flogging them

chanz4

sacsquacco wrote: »

I see missing seals on thousands and thousands of meters, even though we report them missing I have never known a supplier take a blind bit of notice and do something about it. They are not interested in spending their money in replacing them.
We have just got the contract to read Scottish Power meters and my Manager has told me they at least are concerned about all these missing seals and will actually do something about it, so there may be something in what the OP says, but trying to charge the occupier for something an unauthorised electrician did sounds wrong Forget about any criminal charges whatsoever, even if you are caught nicking 5 ks worth of energy it does nt go to the police. They are happy just to get some money back and dont pass it on to the police,as they should, unless a cannabis farm is involved
Personally I would like to see every seal intact as its a pointer to a bypass, or it used to be until Ebay started flogging them

too much hassle, but in a way they can charge for the reseal if unauthorised work on their equipment has taken place. £60 is cheap for mops. in regards to ebay they are soso but they dont have valid crimps which code the seals with a stamp

[Deleted User]

There may be something in the Scot Power charges because my manager indicated we may get a small payment from them for reporting a missing seal. Perhaps they ve found a little revenue stream in charging the unsuspecting public for all these missing seals.Any one being charged that ammount for a missing seal will soon be switching supplier never to return again I would ve thought.
Juidging by the number of seals and crimping tools being sold on Ebay, there a huge demand for some reason

chanz4

yeah like other things, but can tell fakes easy enough

rjains99

Thanks for all your advice so far. I understand a seal is required, the invoice relates to Scottish power installing a new meter, they aren't our supplier. But surely we should have been advised when the meter was changed?we had no idea until the invoice arrived.

withabix

rjains99 wrote: »

the invoice relates to Scottish power installing a new meter, they aren't our supplier.

Where are you?

They will either be your DNO (parts of Scotland and MANWEB area) or they have the contract for meter changes in your area.

Dispute the invoice - they will need undisputable proof such as a photograph to enforce the charge, otherwise it is unenforceable.

Ask them for the photograph that clearly identifies it as the meter at your property or otherwise they can eff off.

Wywth

£60 for a seal? What's it made of? Solid platinum?

Who asked for the meter to be changed?

(But if a security seal is missing/broken you could be in for a load more trouble than just £60 :eek:)

Horseunderwater

To the OP - Who asked for the meter to be changed? Was it you or your supplier?
I know when I have had mine changed it has been at my suppliers request and each time the seal is broken by them and replaced at the time. I have never been billed for a repalcement seal. But then I would not dream of snipping one either. And I certainly would not allow anyone rewiring my home to do it either!

pinkladyof66

i havent ever noticed whether our meter has a seal or not !! maybe it is worth all of us making a check