Eon smart meters and asbestos board

Nefertis

Hi,
I've finally tried to give in and get my smart meters installed - eON engineer came in and told me that I have the asbestos board that it would need to be removed and that National Grid is the responsible party.
Well, I've contacted the National Grid and they have advised me it's the energy supplier's responsibility, not theirs.
I've gone back to eON - twice - first they have not made any notes on my account and today they have told me that actually they don't have anyone trained and I need to organise Certificate of Analysis myself and it's up to me to cover the costs, as they only deal with meters, not what they are hanging on. 
Anyone has any advise on who's responsibility it is to test / remove the asbestos board?

EssexHebridean

When you say you've "contacted National Grid" do you actually mean your DNO? (For example mine would be UK Power Networks). 

[Deleted User]

Have a look at page 26 of this link:

https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs/Policies/Smart%20Meters/GuidanceforElectricityandGasMeterInstallationCustomerFacingIssuesVersion2Published201219.pdf

Some suppliers believe it is a DNO responsibility - others believe it is a matter for the homeowner. The one thing that they all seem to agree on is that energy suppliers are not responsible for backboards.

Robin9

They would have been fitted by the DNO when the supply cable was installed - the first item to be mounted would be DNO service cable termination which contains their fuse.   Occasionally, depending on location, by the builder.

Some of these meter boards have outlines of the meter  and service termination pre printed.

It is not a safe process for Joe Bloggs to do.

Nefertis

My DNO comes up as National Grid. So I think I'm stuck on my own ☹️

MWT

Nefertis said:

My DNO comes up as National Grid. So I think I'm stuck on my own ☹️

This is your DNO then - https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-distribution

Not the National Grid, but what was formerly 'Western Power' confusingly renamed but still a DNO..

Nefertis

Comes to the same contact page I've already tried and lady said they don't deal with backboards. 

Any idea how much removal is likely to cost me?

[Deleted User]

Nefertis said:

Comes to the same contact page I've already tried and lady said they don't deal with backboards. 

Any idea how much removal is likely to cost me?

Ignore the lady. Put your request in writing stating that E.oN is refusing to fit a smart meter as the meter backboard has asbestos content. Gently remind the DNO that it owns the backboard. Ask them how they intend to replace the backboard and what will be the likely timescale for work to be completed?

You cannot do it yourself if you wanted to. The DNO would have to attend to remove the existing meter; main fuse etc from the board. They would then have to make good your electricity connection with the appropriate security seals.