Data protection

GT60

I have just blasted Bristol Energy for giving my details to a third party without my consent Lowri Beck
Lowri beck phone me and a recording telling to send my meter reading to them by an 0845 Number Err don't think so
they didn't even mention the fact it is around 10pence a minute for someone to call an 0845 Number.
Bristol energy said it was standard practise for Lowri Beck to contact people and ofgem approved
well I have Never had any one contacting me by phone asking for a metering and have told Bristol energy to tell Lowri Beck to remove my details as they do not have permission to give out my details

System

GT60 wrote: »

I have just blasted Bristol Energy for giving my details to a third party without my consent Lowri Beck
Lowri beck phone me and a recording telling to send my meter reading to them by an 0845 Number Err don't think so
they didn't even mention the fact it is around 10pence a minute for someone to call an 0845 Number.
Bristol energy said it was standard practise for Lowri Beck to contact people and ofgem approved
well I have Never had any one contacting me by phone asking for a metering and have told Bristol energy to tell Lowri Beck to remove my details as they do not have permission to give out my details

You may be slightly over-reacting. Energy suppliers have a Licence condition that requires them to read your meters once a year. Some suppliers outsource the meter reading obligation to companies like Lowri Beck. How exactly are they supposed to read your meter if the supplier doesn’t provide them with the information needed to do the job? Personally, I would not see this as a breach of The Data Protection Act. Lowri Beck are a contracted party. You could ring the Information Commissioner for advice if you are still concerned.

FWIW, I had a nice chat to a meter reader from G4S only last week when he came to read my FIT meter on behalf of EDF. As far as I was concerned, he was EDF to all intents and purposes as I do have a generation contract with them.

GT60

Hi ya i have never had someone phone me up asking for a meter reading
I always give monthly readings
If they want a reading try knocking on my door like other energy compaines do

House_Martin

I used to work for Lowri Beck many years ago.They are an official contracted meter reading company ( and smart meter fitters ), like G4S were for 10 years for half the country.
How can every small micro supplier supply their own meter reading employees cost effectively ? This is why they use third parties to do the job.
Each supplier is obliged to do both safety checks and physical meter readings at least every 2 years. Other times a customer reading is allowed, by telephone.
British Gas have been using their call centres phoning around for readings now for at least the last 6 years to cut costs.

Ian011

The use of an 0845 number breaches Regulation 41 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Failing to declare costs additional breaches Ofcom regulations. And, the cost is a lot more than 10p per minute.

trickytree1963

https://www.gov.uk/call-charges

Suggests its around 7p per minute plus access charge which depends on your provider.

LewisHamilton

GT60 wrote: »

Hi ya i have never had someone phone me up asking for a meter reading
I always give monthly readings
If they want a reading try knocking on my door like other energy compaines do

Stop overreacting. What harm has been caused as a result of this?

Lowri Beck is a meter operator. A !!!!! one mind you.

Dobbibill

If you check out Bristol Energy's privacy policy it does call out that your information will be shared with agents and contractors.

They do have an option on their website to submit a meter reading though.

By providing us with your personal details you agree to them being used for the purposes specified in the terms and conditions of your contract with us and by agents and contractors working on our behalf.

spiro

They proivde your contact details to your MOP (meter maintainer), DC (meter reader) and DNO (distributor).

footyguy

No mention of any 0845 number here
https://www.lowribeck.co.uk/contact

But there is a link to provide them with meter readings online instead
https://myreading.net/

Calls to 0845 numbers are charged by BT at 12ppm +service charge
http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/assets/pdf/BT_PhoneTariff_Residential.pdf
(Compare to Local & National Calls which are also charged 12ppm + 21p Set Up fee)

Note: 0845 numbers are included as part of the free calls associated with your BT calling plan.

Take a look at the Phone & TV board for more details on how to save money on telephone calls
e.g. there are over-ride services available where calls to 0845 numbers cost as little as 7ppm with a 5p connection charge which can be used for periods where the calls are made outside of the inclusive calling plan.