Legal position on gas meter exhange deadline

kingsbury382

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the midst of getting a meter exchange done (by SGN).  It's been dragging on for a while, mainly because of COVID..but the language coming from SGN is changing subtly to the fact that the exchange needs to be completed by end of October 2021.

The problem is that I can't meet that deadline..I am not around during the hours that they are either available, or they can't make it when I am available (my daily commute is the main problem)....and they can't do Saturdays (when i can easily make it).  If the deadline is missed, does anyone know what will happen?  Is there a legal stance that they will suddenly pull on me, issue me with a fine or something?

I'm not against getting it done...it's just finding the time. 

MWT

It depends on the reason for the exchange and the location of the meter, if it is considered a matter of safety they can apply to a court to grant them the right to access your premises without you being present which could result in forced entry or if the meter is outside it could be exchanged, but the supply would be cut-off until they can ascertain that it is safe to restore it.

Obviously they do not want to go down that route, and neither do you.

It is not unreasonable for them to expect you to take time-off from work to facilitate essential work if you cannot make other arrangements to provide access...

kingsbury382

Hi, thanks for the response.
So, the reason for the exchange is that it's part of their exchange program due to the age of the meter.  The meter is inside the property (next to the boiler).
As mentioned..it's not that I don't want the exchange, but with 10 days to go, it's proving to be a struggle for us both to find a slot..and therefore I'm worried that they suddenly will pull some legal thing on me...

thanks

Ectophile

MWT has covered the case where they think your meter needs replacing because it's too old.

The other possibility is that you agreed to a smart meter only contract, at a special rate. If you keep stalling them, they may cancel your rate and put you onto their standard tariff.