Getting a meter moved slightly the cheapest way

crobar

Hello board,

I want to have an electricity meter in my home moved slightly (around a foot or so), and I'm wondering the cheapest possible way of getting this done.

There are a few factors at play here, the first is that it is currently an Economy 7 dual rate meter, but I have recently converted from electric central heating to Gas. I ideally want to remove all the old dual rate equipment as well (such as the radio receiver that switches the rates etc.) as it's not required and taking up quite a lot of the wall.

The second is that the current meter is dated 1998, so around 15 years old.

So based on this, is there any way I can convince them to change the meter, disconnect and remove the old equipment and move the meter slightly for free?

Note that moving it would not require any change to the existing cables etc. (and there's already a back board where the old switching equipment currently sits) which it could be attached to. I'd also like an isolator switch put in between the meter and the consumer unit while they're at it.

chanz4

nope, as the backboard will need moving, you would also have to have the consumer tails extended

KTF

Is it really worth it for 1 foot?

crobar

Well, it's not just the meter, it's all the other stuff as well, the radio receiver I want removed, and a huge switch box that was used for the heaters circuit. It all takes up a lot of space on the wall, and the meter is actually outside a box all the other stuff is enclosed by.

This stuff is all mounted on board, so if it was removed, can I not put the meter in their place? No board then has to be moved.

Buzby

Have you done the math? Even after I ditched storage rads, my night usage was at a level I still benefited from. Further, as you have a RadioSwitch you will always know that bang-on 0000-0830 your discounted power is half-rate. (Others have to remember if the clocks changed)!

As for a change - digital meters are licenced only for 10 years, the type you have will be 20 so no enforced change. If you want to change tariff to non E7 the existing meter will do fine - they just aggregate the two readings).

If you pay the cost, they'll do it!

crobar

Buzby wrote: »

Have you done the math? Even after I ditched storage rads, my night usage was at a level I still benefited from. Further, as you have a RadioSwitch you will always know that bang-on 0000-0830 your discounted power is half-rate. (Others have to remember if the clocks changed)!

Yes, at those times I have virtually no useage, the most intensive thing we use at the moment is an electric shower, later this will run off the combi boiler. However, we are doing a lot of DIY at the moment and for the forseable future and therefore use power tools quite a lot. I'm curious actually about how you use so much between 0000-0830, all night parties?!

Buzby wrote: »

As for a change - digital meters are licenced only for 10 years, the type you have will be 20 so no enforced change. If you want to change tariff to non E7 the existing meter will do fine - they just aggregate the two readings).

So looks like I can't wangle a free upgrade then, oh well.

Buzby wrote: »

If you pay the cost, they'll do it!

That's what I'd like to avoid! Any idea what the cost might be?

Thanks for the help.

chanz4

As they say nothing is free

SwanJon

Have you tried calling your supplier and asking?
Not all of them will aggregate Day/Night reads to make a single rate - and technically they shouldn't as it casues issues when you change supplier.

Wywth

crobar wrote: »

Hello board,

I want to have an electricity meter in my home moved slightly (around a foot or so), and I'm wondering the cheapest possible way of getting this done.

There are a few factors at play here, the first is that it is currently an Economy 7 dual rate meter, but I have recently converted from electric central heating to Gas. I ideally want to remove all the old dual rate equipment as well (such as the radio receiver that switches the rates etc.) as it's not required and taking up quite a lot of the wall.

The second is that the current meter is dated 1998, so around 15 years old.

So based on this, is there any way I can convince them to change the meter, disconnect and remove the old equipment and move the meter slightly for free?

The supplier will arrange a change of meter on request. A charge may apply of which you will be advised in advance.

Disconnection and removal of old equipment is not the suppliers responsibility.

The supplier may arrange for the meter to be moved, but why do you think it should be for free? Is it worth the effort for such a minor modification?

crobar wrote: »

I'd also like an isolator switch put in between the meter and the consumer unit while they're at it.

Why? :huh:

crobar

Well, I called my supplier today, and they did offer to change the meter for free! They said because it's quite old.

I have to pay to fit the isolator switch, but they will also move the meter to within 1 metre of the original position, on the same wall at no charge.

crobar

Wywth wrote: »

The supplier will arrange a change of meter on request. A charge may apply of which you will be advised in advance.

Disconnection and removal of old equipment is not the suppliers responsibility.

The supplier may arrange for the meter to be moved, but why do you think it should be for free? Is it worth the effort for such a minor modification?

Why? :huh:

So if I ever need work done on the consumer unit, or the current mess of Henly blocks currently present etc. I don't have to get the supply turned off at the meter by my supplier. In fact I don't know why an isolator switch between the meter and the CU is not standard practice.

The radio switch is considered part of the meter and will be removed by the supplier (but not the switch for the heaters).