Metering Services

amyandoli

Hello, done a search couldn't find anything, does anyone know if Metering Services is legit?

I man from Metering Services knocked at my door and said he was here to change my electric meter (sited in my kitchen). I said I had no idea he was coming. He said Atlantic Gas (my supplier) should have told me. I said he couldnt do it that day as I was going out soon, he said it would have to be done by law every couple of years and he would only be quick, I said no again and gave me a calling card. He knew my name and address and had a small electronic notebook and plain white van, but an official looking yellow card asking me to phone a number or post it off to arrange another time. There is no email or website address on it and I couldn't find one googling, but I called the number to see if sounded real and it did sound like a call centre...

Tom_Jones

Meters are changed approx every 15 years, and you certainly should have been informed he was coming.

amyandoli

Thanks Tom, do you think he was fake if atlantic didnt tll me he was coming, or just poor admin? i'm going to call them as soon as the phone is free and find out!

BexTech

Metering Services Ltd

Are the company who reads our gas and electric meters, we've had different suppliers for our gas and electric but since deregulation it's always been Metering Services Ltd who come to read the meters.

Metering Services Ltd was spun off from the old MEB meter reading service, when de-regulation came in. Now part of E-ON / Central Networks - the electricity distributor for the Midlands.

http://www.mocopa.org.uk/signatories.html#2 Has a list of other Meter Reading companies.

The old website: www.metering-services.co.uk just now goes to an E-On error page.

http://pressreleases.eon-uk.com/blogs/centralnetworkspressreleases/archive/2004/11/05/202.aspx

That's not to say the person who called was actually from the company, though they do change meters now and then, they usually make 3 attempts to change the meter, if after the 3rd attempt they haven't been able to change the meter, they bring along the police, break-in and then switch the meter over.

Terrylw1

Hi,

Metering Services are totally legit and have been round for ages, formerly part of Aquila, now Eon (originally MEB, the supplier side became Npower)

So, either -
1) atlantic have booked a meter change, but that should have been based on some contact with you
2) it's Recertification as the meter is close to the end of it's safe life. This varies per meter e.g. Smartpower approx 12-25, mechancals 25 years etc

If it's a Recert, they are obligated by law. They own the meter and they can attend it whenever they want.

You are within your rights to stop them getting in if you are suspicious, they will understand that. Insist they explain why and show you their calling card.
Bare in mind if it's 2), Atlantic may not know anything about it

sam_rhino

Hi,
I had a visit the other day from Southern Power, offering to help reduce my gas and electric bills. All I needed to do was sign and provide my bank details.
Apparently, it's because deregulation has helped reduce the bills. When I asked him what the deregulation was from, and what it meant, he just kept telling me it would reduce my bills! I tried a few ways of asking questions to find out more, but didn't get any joy.
So I said I'd look it up on the internet - he told me he could do it for me then and there, if I filled in his form. I politely declined!
All I can find about deregulation is that it happened years ago!!
I wondered if anyone else had heard of this and if it was a scam or a genuine offer?

portsmouthali

Sounds like he was a door to door salesman and was trying to get you to change supplier. It might save you money, it might not. They will tell you anything to get you to sign on the dotted line but you did the right thing by sending him on his way. If you're interested in changing supplier, look up the cheapest supplier for your region on one of the many comparison sites.

Deregulation did happen years ago, I can't believe salesman are still using it in their sales patter! :rolleyes:

sam_rhino

I was just worried he was trying to get my bank details and up to no good!
But yes, they'll say anything!! :-)
I switched mine using uswitch, think I've got a good deal, but it's always worth rechecking :-)

Thanks, :-)

Terrylw1

Gas de-reg happened years ago. Dereg just removed the competition boundaries so other Suppliers could trade as your gas Supplier rather than BGas alone. It was the same with elec but they had area based boards e.g. Midlands Electricity Board (MEB) which became Npower (Supplier) and GPU (Distribution)

This was a typical dodgy salesman. If you EVER get asked to sign anything you are agreeing to a contract to change supply. They may lie and say "it's to say you agree with can call you back", "de-reg will make your supply cheaper", "you will get a free gift"...the list goes on.

You cold report the guy to the Supplier and to Ofgem. Sadly, nothing ever really happens and the companies just say they will "retrain" the guy - despite the fact he was initially trained anyway an still lied.

The guys specialise on lieing to get your commission, picking on the elderly or disabled.

sam_rhino

Thank you :-)

I thought about reporting him, but I didn't get his name badge or anything, and there's the possibility that he's not an employee! So I decided not to.
It's interesting to see how far people will go though. It makes me cross that they can con vulnerable people!
It's a shame we can't do more about it!!! :-(

Terrylw1

The companies usually keep a record of who is knocking doors in which streets so they may be able to trace him. Some utilities outsource to sales companies but the can still be traced and these dealers usually have teams to manage complaints about them within the actual Supplier.

Ofgem are not strict enough with these people. You complain, Ofgem back off as soon as the company says we are sorry.

There have been more serious incidents I know of where the employees have been fined.

I think a system of fining may be needed to try to hit these guys where it hurts...their wallets.