Meter Replacement: How long can I put off (linked to neighbour from hell)

Raxiel

electricity_meter_problem wrote: »

Thanks Raxiel,

I guess before warrants are issued, red letters would be sent threatening they were the next stage.

I am very thankful for the mention they might not need access to the fuse.

And even more so for what I had not realized--my neighbour does not own the fuse. He cannot use it as a bargaining chip--it's not his property.

I have thought about doing the rewiring from below. It would be cheaper to have the ceilings down and replaced than laying down new [FONT=&quot]parquet flooring. [/FONT]

I should add that Western sent two guys to change our main fuse. One was training the other, but I suspect its not a job for a lone worker anyway, Not something they would do if they weren't expecting to deal with a live supply.
Either way, EDF know what they need. When you book it, they will ask you about things like access to the meter, are there stairs, is there somewhere to park the van etc. Tell them where the meter is and that you can provide access, but you're not sure where the main fuse is (because you are just guessing) and that you believe it may be in a neighbouring property. There are plenty of people who are completely clueless when it comes to their supply, so EDF should be able to advise you if they need you to do anything else.

Edit: Just to confirm. We're talking about the main 80A or 100A fuse that sits ahead of the meter, but there should be a switch or breaker between it and the meter. The assumption is that is next to the main fuse, correct?
Depending on how the house was originally wired, then split into flats (before two of them were re-combined), its possible that the fuse and switch are located where they are, because there's actually only one for the whole house.

electricity_meter_problem

Thanks again Raxiel.

Yes, there could well be that only one main fuse exists for the house.

It's an old Victorian large terrace. The meters were originally under the stairs and those for the two top flats were put in a cupboard next to their entrances. The conversion eliminated the downstairs meter but the fuse and switch for the whole house might have been left in its original position.

Your comments are much appreciated.

Smodlet

EDF wants to replace my meter. But due to a legal nightmare with my neighbour I need to put it off. The legal nightmare you describe in this post or another one? Can't help thinking there is more to this than meets the eye.
What happens in the end if I am repeatedly not in when the installer comes?
I live in a studio flat in a house. A conversion or a house of multiple occupation? The rest of the house was two flats but my neighbour has made them one dwelling. For unknown reasons after building control ? finished they messed with my electricity, with the result that my lighting circuit is on theirs. How did they have access to your supply to do anything to your lighting circuit? Is there only one supply for the whole property? If so, how do you, your neighbour or your supplier know who is using what or who is paying for what? Are you certain your neighbour actually has a meter of their own? Is it possible you could be paying for their electricity? They point blank assert the mess up is my liability--and so I must pay for its correction (replacing the laminate flooring under which the circuits are buried will be several thousand). Again, how? You, as far as we know, did no building work so how is the fact your meter's fuse is somehow within their property your liability? This does not make any sense. Unless your neighbour somehow accessed your property during their building work, how did the fuse to your meter become located within their property unless it has always been there? If this is the case, surely that is EDF's problem rather than yours. The meter is their property, after all and, if they need access to the fuse, whoever's property it is in, access is their headache rather than yours.

Unfortunately, the fuse for my meter is not adjacent to it. An electrician from the direction of the cable suggests it is in my neigbour's property.

I have asked but they refused to say anything unless I agree to liability. It goes with saying this is not a matter I talk over with them.

Obviously, I need to get in solicitors. But I need time. Unless there is something you are not telling us, not sure why you even need a solicitor. I would certainly talk to EDF first and escalate up the line as far as you have to go, to get someone who knows what they are talking about. Do not be fobbed off by the first customer service rep you speak to; they may have just started the job today and know nothing about anything. I emphasise speak to EDF; don't "chat" online.

How much delay time do I have? What happens if I persistently refuse to have the meter changed. I have had one visit (I was not in). Do they allow three say and then send a legal letter. Or what?

Should I phone an explain my situation?

I would appreciate advice--I would normally want the meter replaced.

electricity_meter_problem

Thanks to all who have helped.

I phoned up--they are happy to delay installation to next year--it was re-certified in 1998 and needs replacement by the end of 2018.

Hopefully I will be able to get my problems with my neighbour sorted out.

Smodlet is right there is more--my neighbour wanted to buy me out and I refused.

House_Martin

As a long standing meter reader I ve been involved with a few complaints like this over the years when one party had , for some reason, had either the gas or electric meter on their property and they have been denied access to their neighbours after some neighbour feud. The best they could get was that they would post over the meter readings but they would not allow them personally to inspect the meters.
One person did try and stop me inspecting the gas meter in his front garden of his neighbour next door but relented when I said there was maybe a chance of a warrant of access (costing £150 to him ) if I could nt access the meter myself.
The warrant of access is a possibility as a last resort, normally though the opposing parties do not obstruct the utilities from their work when its needed.

electricity_meter_problem

Thanks House Martin,

I am hoping the electricity installer will get a very different (and adult) response compared to me. People react very differently when faced with the possibility of a warrant.

Smodlet

Glad you have solved the immediate problem, electricity, and hope you get the rest sorted as soon as possible. I really hope your neighbour does not take every opportunity to make your life hell because they did not get their own way. It seems they want to convert the property back into one house. Good luck to you and I apologise for not understanding you own your flat rather than rent it.

ETA: House Martin, please would you clarify who is liable for the £150, the owner of the property the meter is located on/in or the person who pays for the electricity? I do hope it's the former. TIA.

House_Martin

Smodlet wrote: »

Glad you have solved the immediate problem, electricity, and hope you get the rest sorted as soon as possible. I really hope your neighbour does not take every opportunity to make your life hell because they did not get their own way. It seems they want to convert the property back into one house. Good luck to you and I apologise for not understanding you own your flat rather than rent it.

ETA: House Martin, please would you clarify who is liable for the £150, the owner of the property the meter is located on/in or the person who pays for the electricity? I do hope it's the former. TIA.

Its the occupier who is obstructing access who pays for the warrant.We have the same when we have to get them signed by a Magistrate to catch the fiddlers who mess with meters.They add the warrant costs, and locksmith as well if needed and also the cost of a new meter. Can be over £400 in all plus they back bill estimated lost revenue and collected by a newly installed prepayment meter.
Its in every ones Terms and Conditions of supply in the small print somewhere which very few ever look at