problem with meter reader rant

me_and_me_monkeys

Update
I telephoned the gas supplier and complained and also the meter reading company and a different gas man cometh I told him i gave the reading on the phone this morning and he went away happy

I know they have to inspect the meter at least once in 2 years (I think) and if they want to make arrangements I am more than happy but as I am disabled and with 2 toddlers and an older disabled child I need a bit of notice and the decency to allow me his name so I can check his details if required. - I have begged, pleaded and offered to pay to have the meter moved to outside as its more convienient all round but they will not entertain it.

everythingblogcast

Just to add noone has the legal right to break into your house, only the police can do that. I would advice any of you that have recived either letter or talking that they will break down your door to report this to the police and remeber you have the legal right to defence you house and your family within reason, so the OP said that her son would go crasy because of the stranges then you can hit the strange across the head with shoes etc baseball bat, as long as it is face to face you are fine.

Bollotom

One point of concern, seeing that all the meter readers I have met have been extremely pleasant, are you sure this wasn't a doorstep conman? Genuine staff wouldn't have baulked at producing ID. Maybe you had a lucky escape.:cool:

me_and_me_monkeys

true bollotom, but surely he wouldn't keep trying his luck at the same place? eitherway he ain't coming in my house!!

Honeydog

I had that British Gas meter changing letter back in March sometime. Rang them up and explained that I would be unable to be present at my house for that length of time (8am til 8pm) on ANY day due to work and other commitments. Told them the earliest date I'd be able to be there for a whole day was around August. They 'suddenly' discovered that they had a MORNING appointment (8 til 12)

Guy came - nice young chap - bang on time and we have a new meter now.

Thought this might help someone else.

viktory

Whilst we are on the subject of meter changes.....there is a fault with my meter, the screen is blank. I advised Powergen and pointed out that without this they cannot read the meter and find out how much gas I have used. An appt was booked for 18th May to have a new meter fitted - no one attended. So far, I still have a blank meter and Powergen keeps sending me estimated bills - that are in credit. Suits me.

Hapless_2

An official of a gas or electricity company may enter your home if:

• You agree to let the official enter.

• A magistrate has given the official a warrant authorising the official to enter.

• There is an emergency and the official has reason to believe that there is danger to life or property.

A gas or electricity board official is entitled to ask to enter your home, or to apply to a magistrate for a warrant, in order to:

• Inspect the meter or any other fittings.

• Disconnect the supply in certain circumstances.

In order to obtain a warrant, the official must show that:

• You have been given at least twenty-four hours' notice; and

• he or she has asked to be admitted and you have refused; or

• the premises are unoccupied.

Entry must be at a reasonable time and the official must leave the house as secure against trespassers as it was when he or she arrived, and make good any damage caused.

It is a criminal offence to obstruct a person who has a warrant or who asks to be admitted in an emergency; the maximum penalty is a fine of level 3 - currently £1,000. It is not an offence to refuse to let the official enter if there is no emergency and the official does not have a warrant - Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954; Electricity Act 1989 and Gas Act 1995 .

hjflit

I have had trouble with On Stream. They want to change my gas meter. Their initial letter was last summer. They didn't turn up for the 1st appointment, have cancelled 3 others they made and finally turned up when I replied to their letter saying I couldn't make that day. I was Emailing them but I can't find this service on their website anymore. I agree their time slots are completely unreasonable!