Octopus random phone call….

yowwox

Has anyone else had a random phone call saying they are phoning on behalf of Octopus and can I give them my meter readings? I am confused by this as I sent regular monthly readings and find some of Octopus methods dubious to say the least.

[Deleted User]

yowwox said:

Has anyone else had a random phone call saying they are phoning on behalf of Octopus and can I give them my meter readings? I am confused by this as I sent regular monthly readings and find some of Octopus methods dubious to say the least.

I suspect that the company calling you will have been Octopus’ data collector (meter reader). This often happens when a meter reader called and was unable go get access to your meter. I would just ignore the request if you are happy that Octopus is using your meter readings for billing.

yowwox

Thanks for the reply. Checking on internet it seems the call originated from Colt Technology in Wigan. The page I brought up had a number of posts indicating they are an outsource company phoning on behalf of utility companies asking for meter readings… hmm so why can’t my energy provider do that via an email and save my money by not paying third party cold callers? 

[Deleted User]

yowwox said:

Thanks for the reply. Checking on internet it seems the call originated from Colt Technology in Wigan. The page I brought up had a number of posts indicating they are an outsource company phoning on behalf of utility companies asking for meter readings… hmm so why can’t my energy provider do that via an email and save my money by not paying third party cold callers? 

Because all suppliers are required to have data collectors. These companies provide a number of services which include meter reading; maintaining reading data; validating all meter readings etc. Octopus uses TMA for some of its services including the provision of the secure link between Octopus’ systems and the DCC smart meter network.

https://www.tma.co.uk/

Raxiel

yowwox said:

Thanks for the reply. Checking on internet it seems the call originated from Colt Technology in Wigan. The page I brought up had a number of posts indicating they are an outsource company phoning on behalf of utility companies asking for meter readings… hmm so why can’t my energy provider do that via an email and save my money by not paying third party cold callers? 

If my In-law's supplier asked for meter readings via email, they'd never get them, because my in-laws 'don't do computers'.