How do you know if a 'meter reader' isn't a criminal pretending to be one?

theoldmiser

I don't answer my door to anybody unless I know who they are and am expecting them. If somebody claiming to be a meter reader comes to my house, how should I know they aren't a criminal trying to gain access to my house so they can attack me once inside? (Yes, I know, this never happens, and criminals never force their way past people when they open their doors and rob them (sarcasm)) Saying 'Check their ID' is ridiculous, who has any idea what a genuine meter reader's ID looks like?

I would expect an electricity company to allow you to set up a password on their website, which a meter reader would have to tell you when you answer the door, that way there is no risk to the homeowner, but I presume none of them do this.

elsien

Was this not covered the last time you asked the question? 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6339886/can-you-refuse-entry-to-meter-readers/p1

400ixl

You do it the same way it has been done for decades.

You get their name and if available an ID such as staff number and you call your supplier on their public helpline number to validate them. You don't use the one on their badge as you can't verify that is correct.

daveyjp

What's a meter reader?  Haven't seen one in over ten years.

ariarnia

if you feel vulnerable you can sign up to the priority services register for your energy supplier. one of the things that will do is let you set up a password for anyone the energy network sends to your house (meter readers or if theres a problem) 

you dont have to be a pensioner or disabled to qualify. one of the ovo questions is just if you feel anxious about opening th door to people you arent expecting or dont know. 

https://www.ovoenergy.com/register-for-priority-services

FluffityBunny

daveyjp said:

What's a meter reader?  Haven't seen one in over ten years.

Haven't seen one in years, last one to visit my house got the wrong house when she couldn't find me on the system.  I haven't even had a card popped through the door in a long time asking me for my meter reading.

Keep_pedalling

theoldmiser said:

I would expect an electricity company to allow you to set up a password on their website, which a meter reader would have to tell you when you answer the door, that way there is no risk to the homeowner, but I presume none of them do this.

They do. On Octopus if you sign up for the priority service register it gives you the option to add an in person passphrase.

ariarnia

FluffityBunny said:

daveyjp said:

What's a meter reader?  Haven't seen one in over ten years.

Haven't seen one in years, last one to visit my house got the wrong house when she couldn't find me on the system.  I haven't even had a card popped through the door in a long time asking me for my meter reading.

i think we've had two in the last 10 years or so. none since we had the electric smart meter installed 3 years ago but i expect someone will want to look at the old dumb gas meter (hopefully to swap it out finally!)

70sbudgie

theoldmiser said:

I would expect an electricity company to allow you to set up a password on their website, which a meter reader would have to tell you when you answer the door, that way there is no risk to the homeowner, but I presume none of them do this.

My DNO does this.

Robin9

@theoldmiser

Who is your supplier ?

Swipe

The OP should get a smart meter if they are that worried. Also they could ask the reader to confirm which electric/gas company they are with. They only have about a 1 in 5 chance of being correct.