Gas Man come to read the meter... refusing access?

Terrylw1

Hi,

They have an obligation to check the meter for safety every 28 months by law. They are liable for any dangerous incident otherwise and some operators have been penalised in court for injuries caused to customers over the years (it's rare though)

You are absolutely right to ask for ID. They understand, they are very happy with that system as it allows people to trust them more.

Here's a tip, contact your Supplier (and also do this when you change suppliers) and ask them to record a password with the local readers for access into your property. They should be wiling to do this (it makes them more likely to get a reading anyway). All suppliers offer this for an customers on their Priority Services Register (PRS) - although I am not saying go onto that as it's a strict criteria for vulnerable members of society. The password system has been recomended to people who may feel vulnerable, not just the elderely.

Please be aware thought that it's their meter and they have a right to see it for safety and they are protecing you. They can force entry via a warrant if necessary. Don't think that is going to happen now though, that is only ever likely if there are conducting the 28 month safety visit. (it's not 28 months from when you move in, it's a rolling date set up when the meter is installed)

You can always contact your supplier and ask them to book a reading when you are off to get around this. Some suppliers can even do out of hours calls with their agents.

As for why they an't tell you when they are calling, when the market split up years ago Suppliers contracted their agents to read within certain criterias or "windows" so the Supplier doesn't actually know the date of the visit unless you have asked them to arrange it. They just care that a reading will be taken within that window.

Denial of access will have been reported to your supplier, but they won't be bothered unless you had arranged the visit through them. Otherwise, they may just leave it until the next time and estimate your bill.

If you are unsure, just ask why they were calling.

Regards