Meter readers

teddysmum

My grouse of the moment is at meter readers who just turn up and insist on reading your gas meter, which is in the house, even though you say it's inconvenient and you wish to submit your readings online.


Before the one, who came today, started the argument about it being mandatory to check the meter, I reminded him that I was fully aware that access is only needed when your provider requests it (every two years?).


One once threatened me with court action, so I complained to my provider and received both an apology and a small cash credit.

torbrex

Meter readers don't just turn up at your door, they are sent by your supplier so your grouse should be with them and not the poor schmuck on minimum wage that has to stand there and take abuse from 250 customers a day.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

any reason why you don't allow the reader in, have you something to hide or adjust?

Thought most gas meters were outside nowadays.

SailorSam

Our resident meter reader here has made lots of posts about people who wont let him in when he knocks............. How inconvenient can it be if you're in the house and have already opened the door. He'll be in and out in a minute.
It's their job not just to take readings but lok for any meters that may have been tampered with, so maybe you not letting him in, especially if the same thing has happend in the past made him suspicious.

SailorSam

[Deleted User] wrote:

Thought most gas meters were outside nowadays.

I think most modern houses have meters in a box outside but older ones are still inside. I asked for mine to be moved outside to save me missing the reader, and it was cost me hundreds.

barmonkey

Im my old house the gas meter was under the stairs in a cupboard full of stuff. so very inconvenient to get at.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

barmonkey wrote: »

Im my old house the gas meter was under the stairs in a cupboard full of stuff. so very inconvenient to get at.

the gas meter was there before you decided to fill the area with your junk.

SailorSam

barmonkey wrote: »

Im my old house the gas meter was under the stairs in a cupboard full of stuff. so very inconvenient to get at.

My electric meter is behind a big heavy FridgeFreezer which has to be pulled out....... that's inconvenient. After the man has been i make a note on the calender as a reminder in 3mths time i need to move the FF a few days before, either that or the man stands there while i pull out the fridge. Either way it's not that inconvenient.
A lot more inconvenient for the man who has to come back.

barmonkey

[Deleted User] wrote:

Hi,



the gas meter was there before you decided to fill the area with your junk.

Maybe so, but if they wanted to read the meter they either gave me notice to move the stuff or they do it themselves.

teddysmum

They are not required to check your meter regularly; only when the provider says so. I have never been rude to any reader, but two, both males, have been very rude to me, making untrue statements about their power of entry. (eg 'I can get a court order to enter.' 'Sorry, but you can't as I have not refused a meter check up, as I had one only 6 months ago.' )


They are not employed by the provider , but work for a subcontracting company.


I have absolutely nothing to hide ,have never been in debt (always in credit), but have a bad back and can not just grab one of my dogs, whom I prefer to be crated if a stranger comes into the house. Also, there are items stacked in my pantry, where the meter lives, which someone going in their could consider a hazard, so I need notice to move them.


I am entitled to my privacy and have the right to have my meter checked by appointment. As I have an online account readings are unnecessary and checks not required every three months. I know this, as relatives used to work for my energy supplier.

teddysmum

SailorSam wrote: »

I think most modern houses have meters in a box outside but older ones are still inside. I asked for mine to be moved outside to save me missing the reader, and it was cost me hundreds.

Why not do your own readings, as you know they are correct ?