Can you refuse entry to meter readers?

Ultrasonic

imeach said:

Having smart meters unfortunately won't stop meter readers, still got to do the "visual inspection"

How often out of interest? Is this less frequently than old meters are read?

Verdigris

Easiest way to make sure they are genuine, set up a password with your supplier,

Excellent point. Only retired 18 months and I've forgotten eveything!

elsien

Conmen gaining access to your house can’t do an awful lot if you’re stood right next to them watching every move, anyway. 

imeach

Ultrasonic said:

imeach said:

Having smart meters unfortunately won't stop meter readers, still got to do the "visual inspection"

How often out of interest? Is this less frequently than old meters are read?

Varies by supplier, but can still be doing some smart meters quarterly.

Ultrasonic

elsien said:

Conmen gaining access to your house can’t do an awful lot if you’re stood right next to them watching every move, anyway. 

Unless they use physical force to overpower someone and rob them. I may be wrong but generally I assume concerns relate to vulnerable customers who wouldn't normally allow any strangers into their homes.

Gerry1

elsien said:

Conmen gaining access to your house can’t do an awful lot if you’re stood right next to them watching every move, anyway. 

Unless you're a frail little old lady living alone...

MattMattMattUK

Ultrasonic said:

elsien said:

Conmen gaining access to your house can’t do an awful lot if you’re stood right next to them watching every move, anyway. 

Unless they use physical force to overpower someone and rob them. I may be wrong but generally I assume concerns relate to vulnerable customers who wouldn't normally allow any strangers into their homes.

They don't need to be let in as a meter reader for that, ring the bell, the resident opens the door, they barge in and do whatever, if they don't open the door to just anyone, fake courier holding a large box etc. door chains are no use as even a relatively light shoulder barge rips them out of the frame.  

Ultrasonic

MattMattMattUK said:

Ultrasonic said:

elsien said:

Conmen gaining access to your house can’t do an awful lot if you’re stood right next to them watching every move, anyway. 

Unless they use physical force to overpower someone and rob them. I may be wrong but generally I assume concerns relate to vulnerable customers who wouldn't normally allow any strangers into their homes.

They don't need to be let in as a meter reader for that, ring the bell, the resident opens the door, they barge in and do whatever, if they don't open the door to just anyone, fake courier holding a large box etc. door chains are no use as even a relatively light shoulder barge rips them out of the frame.  

Indeed, and some don't open the door to anyone they're not expecting for this reason. Hence questions like booking visits.

savers_united

Could they confirm who they are by giving you the supplier and meter numbers, and obviously your name, would they have this information if genuine? And for those nervous answering the door then I guess it's not just meter readers, so maybe worth investing in one of those video door bells. They can talk and show cards etc without first opening the door. 

wild666

Ultrasonic said:

imeach said:

Having smart meters unfortunately won't stop meter readers, still got to do the "visual inspection"

How often out of interest? Is this less frequently than old meters are read?

I've had my smart meter in since July 2015 and never had a meter reader call and I'm in all day and evening.