Compulsory meter reading while on a smart meter

badbunny42

Hi, my girlfriends mum has been on smart meters with British Gas for over 5 years. Today someone came to visit, called her by her her name and insisted on taking meter readings, saying that they needed to be checked every so often.
Is this a normal thing, or should we be worried that she's been scammed in some way and need to make sure that she doesn't get switched to another provider without her consent? 

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Yes, it is perfectly normal. Suppliers are required to carry out a meter safety check from time to time. The meter reader will also take a reading and check that all the security seals are present etc. That said, if Mum is concerned then she needs to contact her supplier. They should be able to confirm the reading that has been entered onto their system. 

MWT

It is normal, it is as much a visual inspection of the meter as it is about the reading itself.

They will carry ID and will usually work for a 3rd party like Morrison Data Services.

imeach

As above, completely normal and Morrison Data Services normally for BG.

Best bet to cover any future concerns would be to set up a password with BG, then a legitimate meter reader "should" have it when they call. 

badbunny42

Thanks everyone, that's very reassuring. She has confirmed that he was from Morrison Data Services, and entered stuff into a handheld device

Zandoni

You also don’t have to let them in without an appointment.

[Deleted User]

Zandoni said:

You also don’t have to let them in without an appointment.

In 50 plus years as an energy consumer, I can truthfully say that I have never come across a meter reader that has made an appointment. In my experience, they are just sent out to read meters and then they report back to a number of suppliers. As part of their job is to look out for energy theft, why would they want to call in advance of a meter check.

Ultrasonic

[Deleted User] said:

Zandoni said:

You also don’t have to let them in without an appointment.

In 50 plus years as an energy consumer, I can truthfully say that I have never come across a meter reader that has made an appointment. In my experience, they are just sent out to read meters and then they report back to a number of suppliers. As part of their job is to look out for energy theft, why would they want to call in advance of a meter check.

In my something like 23 years as an energy account holder I don't recall ever meeting a meter reader! Presumably because all but one of the properties I've lived in have had outdoor meters though  .

SAC2334

I used to work for MDS and the other three meter reading companies before them .All meters including smart meters have to be safety checked as and when any supplier deems it necessary..

Zandoni

Dolor said:

Zandoni said:

You also don’t have to let them in without an appointment.

In 50 plus years as an energy consumer, I can truthfully say that I have never come across a meter reader that has made an appointment. In my experience, they are just sent out to read meters and then they report back to a number of suppliers. As part of their job is to look out for energy theft, why would they want to call in advance of a meter check.

In my 40 years plus as an energy consumer and my 20 years working in the gas industry I can tell you as a fact that you don’t have to let a meter reader into your house if you don’t want to.

wrf12345

I am never in when they come and leave me a card to fill in which I then leave taped to the door for them, all a bit pointless as I do it online anyway. I once had a duo turn up who were investigating my suspicious low usage of energy and will probably have a visit soon as I have drastically cut my usage following the increases in April.