EdF are going to leave us without electricity for 6 weeks - moving supply

vintage_beanpole

I'm having a bit of a nightmare.


I'm pregnant with my first and the baby is due at the beginning of October. We are having work done to our house - loft conversion and structural kitchen works, which are scheduled to complete before the baby arrives.


As part of the kitchen works, our meter needs to move as it's ancient and in the most ridiculous of places. I contacted EdF, our supplier, in May to make them aware of this and the necessary timings to fit in with works, they told me to contact the DNO. I then contacted our DNO to arrange moving the supply - they visited and agreed works. I then contacted EdF to confirm this and to make an appointment for them to attend to move the meter. They told me to make the appointment with the DNO and builders first as EdF were much more flexible. So I contacted the DNO and secured a date, arranged for the builder to do the initial digging works, and then gave EdF a ring today to arrange for them to attend that day to move the meter.


I've just got off the phone to them. After holding for 25 minutes and being passed department to department I've been told that they cannot attend as needed. In fact, they have no appointments available for 6 weeks and cannot book anything in at all. I explained that I cannot just hold up the structural works which are underway, not least because of the baby, but also because the builders and various other contractors have been booked in since the beginning of this year, and will be moving on to other jobs. There isn't a way around this from the builder's perspective as the meter is in the way.


They said that they are aware from the file notes that I did everything in the order they suggested and are very sorry but we are where we are.


If the supply is moved by the DNO at the end of this month as currently intended, but the meter is not moved, then we will be without electricity without knowing when we can be reconnected. I don't have any family local that I can stay with during that period. They said that there is nothing that they can do about that and to call again nearer the time to see if any appointments have come free.


I don't know what to do and am feeling very stressed.

Raxiel

Historically the meters were owned by the DNO. It's only more recently, with the Smart meter rollout that the meters have been owned by the supplier that fitted them.

If the existing meter is ancient, can the DNO explain why they can't relocate it along with the supply? You may still want it replacing with something newer, but unless it's officially end of life and considered unsafe I don't see why EDF have to be involved?

I think you need to push the DNO on this point.

Failing that, while it would be an unwanted cost and extra hassle, is hiring a generator and limiting electricity usage to the minimum to cover the 6 weeks an option? Better than being without altogether.

vintage_beanpole

Thanks Raxiel.


The DNO is adamant that they cannot move it. A generator is a possibility I suppose, but it's all so frustrating.


I just can't believe that given the circumstances EdF cannot find a single contractor who would find an hour or two (and apparently it is that quick).

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

vintage_beanpole wrote: »

I'm having a bit of a nightmare.


I'm pregnant with my first and the baby is due at the beginning of October. We are having work done to our house - loft conversion and structural kitchen works, which are scheduled to complete before the baby arrives.


As part of the kitchen works, our meter needs to move as it's ancient and in the most ridiculous of places. I contacted EdF, our supplier, in May to make them aware of this and the necessary timings to fit in with works, they told me to contact the DNO. I then contacted our DNO to arrange moving the supply - they visited and agreed works. I then contacted EdF to confirm this and to make an appointment for them to attend to move the meter. They told me to make the appointment with the DNO and builders first as EdF were much more flexible. So I contacted the DNO and secured a date, arranged for the builder to do the initial digging works, and then gave EdF a ring today to arrange for them to attend that day to move the meter.


I've just got off the phone to them. After holding for 25 minutes and being passed department to department I've been told that they cannot attend as needed. In fact, they have no appointments available for 6 weeks and cannot book anything in at all. I explained that I cannot just hold up the structural works which are underway, not least because of the baby, but also because the builders and various other contractors have been booked in since the beginning of this year, and will be moving on to other jobs. There isn't a way around this from the builder's perspective as the meter is in the way.


They said that they are aware from the file notes that I did everything in the order they suggested and are very sorry but we are where we are.


If the supply is moved by the DNO at the end of this month as currently intended, but the meter is not moved, then we will be without electricity without knowing when we can be reconnected. I don't have any family local that I can stay with during that period. They said that there is nothing that they can do about that and to call again nearer the time to see if any appointments have come free.


I don't know what to do and am feeling very stressed.

Get a better electrician!

vintage_beanpole

Thanks Blackbeard. No electrician is allowed to move the meter. Only the supplier (not even the DNO now) is allowed to touch it. That's the issue.

Robin9

Go straight to the CEO


(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)


Leave emotion out of it - just facts

lstar337

What a crummy situation you are in.

Can you ask a neighbour to throw an extension lead over the fence so you can use the bare essentials?

SoletraderSteve

They may be able to raise an emergency call out if you are off supply once the work has been carried out, especially considering the fact that you are pregnant and vulnerable.

Alternatively, raise a complaint with EDF Energy and your case will be handled by their Customer Solutions team who may be pull some strings. Good luck.

spiro

I would go back to EDF and argue that 6 weeks is not 'a reasonable time', and therefore you believe they are in breach of the Guaranteed Standards of Performance especially as you have been proactive in advising them of the work you are carrying out.

vintage_beanpole

Thanks everyone. It's good to hear that I am not being unreasonable.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

vintage_beanpole wrote: »

Thanks Blackbeard. No electrician is allowed to move the meter. Only the supplier (not even the DNO now) is allowed to touch it. That's the issue.

PPPPPPP.


That's about it!

And for others considering not using an architect or other supervisor, here is something any search engine can bring up on the topic.
https://www.westernpower.co.uk/docs/connections/Moving-Supply-Guide.aspx

Other methods are available.