Scottish Power - worst company EVER!

*Rainbow*Warrior*

Peter_Kendrick wrote: »

I spent over 62 minutes (2 x 31 minute calls) trying to speak to Scottish Power yesterday afternoon. It was infuriating waiting in the queue, it doesn't tell you where you are in the queue or how long you are likely to wait. I gave up. The website said the average wait time for the number I dialled was 5-10 minutes!

I've heard lots of people complain about wait times on the phone but I haven't had too many problems there - just with the service once you get through! I've even had their phone system arrange to call me back if there are queues. Maybe it depends which department you are trying to ring.

*Rainbow*Warrior*

Sorry to multi-post, I just keep noticing more questions.

Cash-strapped, I'm not 100% sure what the work is as my husband deals with that side of things. I know we need an isolator switch fitted, and possibly a more modern meter needs to be fitted.

CashStrapped

If by isolator switch you mean a mains supply switch at the master fuse for the house (basically the large fuse before your fuse box/consumer unit). This is not something that your energy supplier is responsible for.

That is normally within the remit of your local DNO, or electricity distributor. Basically the company who own the network infrastructure in your area.

http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Our-company/Electricity/Distribution-Network-Operator-Companies/

Contact the one specific to you from that webpage.

- If the meter requires updating, this is something that the energy supplier would do as an when required, i.e if it is of a certain age, but they do not usually do it unless required.

- If it is broken, this is something the supplier should fix pretty quickly.

-If it a smart meter you are intending to get, be aware that the current smart meters are not fully compatible with all suppliers. So as soon as you switch it may become a normal/standard meter again. It is basically a prototype smart meter that may or may not get more functionality at a later date.

Version 2 is meant to be on the Horizon, so it may well be worth holding out till then. Unless that is, you have an issue with taking meter readings the manual way.

- if you can give more specifics as to the issue with the meter, we may be able to help further.

The final option is to move to another supplier who are more reliable with meter exchanges. EDF are pretty swift. They removed both pre-pay meters in the last property I was in within 4 weeks. You do not have to stay with that supplier either. All this assumes you want to/are happy to switch from your current tariff...obviously.