Gas Meter Exchange Programme

sancho

Hi , i received a letter today from National Grid Metering, saying

The gas meter in your property has been identified as being of an age that is coming to the end of its useful life. It is essential that the meter be exchanged. This work will not change your current gas supplier and all agreements between you and your gas supplier remain in place.

There is no charge for this work, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Please note access to your property is required to complete this work even if your gas meter is located outside.

A number of companies undertake this work on our behalf. Should you wish to confirm the identity of the engineer who calls please telephone the number given on the back of the identity card that all engineers carry.

I thank you in anticipation of assisting us to complete this necessary work. If the planned date above is not convenient then you can arrange an alternative appointment via the internet on https://www.nationalgrid.com/metering or alternatively please contact us on 0845 606 6766.

Yours Faithfully
Delivery manager



I'm probably being a bit paranoid but do you think it is above board? I've never heard of meters being replaced, and i can't see why they would need access to inside the house, and how it will only take 30 minutes to replace a whole meter, and it won't cost me anything!!!!

Has anybody else had anything like this?

Woby_Tide

it's a constant programme, like all things, gas meters wear out, the consequences aren't to good. Our current meter was replaced last year according to the sticker on it just before we moved in, the 2 houses either side have both had them replaced in the last week as they both experienced issues with a small gas leak. They need access to the house if the meter is inside or if some of the relevant pipe work or stops are in the property. I'd contact the number given, the national grid is a genuine company

edit: the reason its free is that the meter is owned by the networks to calculate your usage, I'm sure if ownership passed to the consumer we'd soon find who manufactured the slowest meters

ic

As well as for safety, meters have to be calibrated to confirm they're not overcharging or undercharging you. As for switching the meter, I'd be surprised if it really took as long as half an hour. When I moved into my house there was a card meter - I had it swapped out and the guy perhaps took only ten minutes.

tripled

As stated above, meters get changed on an ongoing basis.

One of the reasons they have to have access is safety - imagine you'd gone out leaving something cooking on the stove, they disconnect then reconnect your supply, your house fills with gas and 'boom'.

alips_2

just watch the next bill though, ours didnt register that they had changed the meter and we ended up with a massive bill as they had calculated it using feet where the new meter uses meters.

samma_2

my electric meter was upgraded last year...a virtually identical letter was sent to me, it was quick and painless

[Deleted User]

How would one go about getting a electric meter replaced for free? Mine is 25+ years old.

duchy

Call your supplier and tell them you'd like your meter checked as you think it may be giving false readings-when they come ask the engineer to recommend replacement.

DKLS

Had mine replaced this year for a digital unit, totally painless about 30 mins, he did old and new readings and passed them on, and got the guy to fit two new light switches while he was there for free!

espresso

duchy wrote: »

Call your supplier and tell them you'd like your meter checked as you think it may be giving false readings-when they come ask the engineer to recommend replacement.

Not good advice, as they will charge about £70 to check your meter is working correctly. They will change it when their records say that it needs changing.

:rolleyes:

ashworthm

we also received a letter addresses to our property. thing is their are 4 flats and it doesnt say which is to be changed or perhaps it is all of them i just dont know? i dont intend to ring an 0845 number to find out.

call 01452 307307 instead and ask to be put through to metering