Access for meter readers

CM58

I hope this is the correct place to ask this if not maybe a mod can move it to the correct one.

Does anyone know the law regarding people that come to your home to read the meter?
I have been doing my readings online for many years and my understanding is that I am only required to allow access once every few years to the utility company so they can ensure everything is as it should be.
Every time someone comes to try and read my meter I send them away but some of them can be very pushy particularly if I am not in and my wife answers the door. I believe they receive commission on meters read (which I guess is why they are like this).

penrhyn

Whats the problem?
As long as they have proper identification there shouldn't be an issue.

JC_Derby

CM58 wrote: »

I hope this is the correct place to ask this if not maybe a mod can move it to the correct one.

Does anyone know the law regarding people that come to your home to read the meter?
I have been doing my readings online for many years and my understanding is that I am only required to allow access once every few years to the utility company so they can ensure everything is as it should be.
Every time someone comes to try and read my meter I send them away but some of them can be very pushy particularly if I am not in and my wife answers the door. I believe they receive commission on meters read (which I guess is why they are like this).

There's a massive thread about this subject on here somewhere. Not sure why you would send them away(can understand if your wife is in on her own though). As for whether they get commission or not, it's their job to read your meter, they get paid for it one way or another and not very well paid at all.
Personally I think if you have a problem with people reading your meters you could, either get them moved outside to the front of the property.
Let them in to read them
Send them away and tell them to make an appointment
Or complain to the supplier and tell them you only want them reading every...insert set period and want appointments made prior to this.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

refusing the meter reader entry will just make him think that you have screwed or bypassed the meter or some other devious system to steal energy.

Andy_WSM

The meters have to be checked, by law, at least every 2 years.

Sending the meter readers away will arouse suspicion.

OhReally_2

CM58 wrote: »

I hope this is the correct place to ask this if not maybe a mod can move it to the correct one.

Does anyone know the law regarding people that come to your home to read the meter?
I have been doing my readings online for many years and my understanding is that I am only required to allow access once every few years to the utility company so they can ensure everything is as it should be.
Every time someone comes to try and read my meter I send them away but some of them can be very pushy particularly if I am not in and my wife answers the door. I believe they receive commission on meters read (which I guess is why they are like this).

I suggest you seek independent legal advice, but my understanding is that you should to provide access to any authorised meter reader as and when they may reasonably require. Most are happy to arrange an alternative date (within the near future) with you if it really not convenient to allow them access when they call.

Yes, meter readers are paid to read meters. What job do you have? How would you like it if your end customers frustrated your efforts to go about your appointed duties??

Richie-from-the-Boro

CM58 wrote: »

I hope this is the correct place to ask this if not maybe a mod can move it to the correct one.

Does anyone know the law regarding people that come to your home to read the meter?
I have been doing my readings online for many years and my understanding is that I am only required to allow access once every few years to the utility company so they can ensure everything is as it should be.
Every time someone comes to try and read my meter I send them away but some of them can be very pushy particularly if I am not in and my wife answers the door. I believe they receive commission on meters read (which I guess is why they are like this).

You can request an appointment be made. Water companies in law must supply, energy companies can not be compelled in law to supply, and can cut you off at any time. Its not your meter, its someone else's, you could request and pay for the meter to be moved / installed on an external accessible wall. They don't get commission as you mean it they get paid for doing a job just like you, you are denying the meter reader his right to make a wage. If some jobsworth did that to you and stopped you earning a wage you would be livid - but its ok for you to do it to someone else .. .. why ?

CM58

JC_Derby wrote: »

Not sure why you would send them away

a) Because they often call at inconvenient times and the meters are located in an awkward place that requires a lot of faffing to get to.
b) As stated I enter the readings online anyway.
c) I'm not that keen on random strangers entering my house.

JC_Derby wrote: »

Personally I think if you have a problem with people reading your meters you could, either get them moved outside to the front of the property.

If this is at all possible it's the route I'd take but I'm not sure how to go about this, they could read the meters every 5 minutes then for all I cared

JC_Derby wrote: »

Send them away and tell them to make an appointment

Tried this several times but they refuse.

JC_Derby wrote: »

Or complain to the supplier and tell them you only want them reading every...insert set period and want appointments made prior to this.

I don't believe they work directly for any supplier, they get commission from several energy company's so doubt my supplier could do anything.

Thanks for the heads up about the other thread on here about this will hunt it down now

CM58

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

you are denying the meter reader his right to make a wage. If some jobsworth did that to you and stopped you earning a wage you would be livid - but its ok for you to do it to someone else .. .. why ?

Guess we should stop utility companies installing smart meters then too?

OhReally_2

I know what I would like to stop...

CM58

OhReally wrote: »

I know what I would like to stop...

Trolling?