Gas Meter Doesn't Work - new build

RandomGuy87

I moved into my new build nearly 3 months ago and the gas meter wasn't working, the screen is blank so no reading can be taken. 

We added this to our snag list and the developer is aware - they advised that they would sort this out with the energy company who installed in. The developer also advised that they would take a new reading once this was done and we would only be charged as soon as this was done. 

Has anyone had any experience with a similar issue before? If so, what would you recommend doing? 

I'm mindful that they don't appear to be in any rush to fix this problem despite advising that they would cover the cost until it is which seems odd. 

EssexHebridean

Has the supplier confirmed whether they are getting readings from it at all? 

youravinalarrrf

If you haven't already got a user manual for it download one from the internet. If it's a SMETS2 gas meter it's quite normal for the screen to be blank to save the battery in it.

You will need to press a button or combination of buttons to bring the screen to life so a meter reading can be taken. The manual will tell you which button you need to press.

Robin9

Don't rely on the developer - contact your gas supplier .

Are you sure you haven't just got to press a button or two to wake the screen up - mine is blank until I press a button.

RandomGuy87

It is a SMETS2, I've just searched a manual and tried the buttons it advises and nothing works.

The developer advised the issue was passed to Scottish Power to resolve. 

I'd told my energy company about this issue when I moved in and they advised that my electric was up and running and to contact them back when the gas meter is fixed.

As the developer has advised that the meter account is still in their name (they've confirmed this in writing via email) would I be right to assume that we can't be charged once this is fixed for use so far? 

EssexHebridean

Hang on - the supplier MUST be able to tell you whether the meter is sending readings or not - have they confirmed one way or the other? I'm mindful that you have made reference to "Scottish power" and then to "my energy company" too - that rings alarm bells. 

How come three months down the line the gas account hasn't been set up in your name? 

As for whether the developer will pick up the tab, I suspect you'll need more legally-minded advice on that one as it will depend what is in the T's and C's of the contract. My suspicion is that it would be usual to have the responsibility for the energy supplies transferred to the new owner on completion though. 

RandomGuy87

I've not received anything from Scottish Power at all. It doesn't sound like they are receiving any readings from what I have been told. 

I've continued to pay my normal amount to Octopus each month in case we received a back dated bill.

When I completed and moved in, I had instructed Octopus to set up both the gas and electricity and provided them with the meter serial numbers but they weren't able to set the gas up. 

MWT

RandomGuy87 said:

When I completed and moved in, I had instructed Octopus to set up both the gas and electricity and provided them with the meter serial numbers but they weren't able to set the gas up. 

When you moved in, you should have set up an account with the existing supplier, and only then switched to Octopus...

RandomGuy87

MWT said:

RandomGuy87 said:

When I completed and moved in, I had instructed Octopus to set up both the gas and electricity and provided them with the meter serial numbers but they weren't able to set the gas up. 

When you moved in, you should have set up an account with the existing supplier, and only then switched to Octopus...

I'd notified my current supplier of my move prior to completing and they instructed me that they could set me up from the completion date so I don't see why this would be wrong? 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

the normal procedure when moving into a new house, whether new build, new buy, or rental, is to contact the existing supplier and give moving in readings, as you are on a deemed contract with them.

Then, in days of getting a good deal, look to switch, but nowadays with the cap, no point of switching.

rp1974

RandomGuy87 said:

I moved into my new build nearly 3 months ago and the gas meter wasn't working, the screen is blank so no reading can be taken. 
I'm mindful that they don't appear to be in any rush to fix this problem despite advising that they would cover the cost until it is which seems odd. 

Don't you have a reading in the documents from the developer,or have they simply started at zero?.
On the second point have the developers put that in writing?,if not that's got problem written all over it.

RandomGuy87 said:

When I completed and moved in, I had instructed Octopus to set up both the gas and electricity and provided them with the meter serial numbers but they weren't able to set the gas up. 

You should've contacted the supplier in place,then arranged your switch,whilst some suppliers may say that they'll manage things for you,it's not meant to be done that way.
Subject to the proviso that you have in writing the guarantee that the developer will be covering the costs until resolved,prices are mostly the same with most suppliers anyway at present so your unlikely to be loosing out.