Can smart meter be fitted without my permission and when not present at the property?

lokyt82

Hi all, 

I need some advice if possible regarding smart meters. 

I have been refusing smart meters for years and I will never allow to have it installed. I work in this sector and I know a lot about them! 

My current supplier is the british gas and I received a text message this afternoon claiming to be from BG, stating that an appointment has been scheduled for a smart meters to be fitted on the 13th of September. 

I assumed it was a scam text but called them just in case. It turns out, they have actually scheduled a visit and they were going ahead with! I could NOT believe it!! I have pointed in very angry manner that this was done without my consent etc and they have cancelled the visit! 

I suppose my question would be, would they be allowed to do it if I was unaware of it? My both meter are outside with easy access. 

The other question would be, can I secure the both boxes and prevent them from attempting to do it while I'm not at the property and without my knowledge? 

Spoonie_Turtle

Check your T&Cs for anything about access to the meters, but as the meters are (effectively) property of the supplier and especially as they're outside your house, I think the answer is probably going to be yes they can do it.

PennineAcute

If they say that the meter needs replacing then they can replace it with a smart meter.

Can they do this without your permission?  Not sure.

Can they do this with a court order?  Yes they can, and it will cost you extra.

Ayr_Rage

@lokyt82 do tell us your reasoning for not having smart meters !

As above, they are not even your property so your energy supplier is entitled to replace them at the end of their working life.

However, as checks are required, they will not replace them without the homeowner being present unless they get a court order to enter your home.

[Deleted User]

lokyt82 said:

Hi all, 

I need some advice if possible regarding smart meters. 

I have been refusing smart meters for years and I will never allow to have it installed. I work in this sector and I know a lot about them! 

My current supplier is the british gas and I received a text message this afternoon claiming to be from BG, stating that an appointment has been scheduled for a smart meters to be fitted on the 13th of September. 

I assumed it was a scam text but called them just in case. It turns out, they have actually scheduled a visit and they were going ahead with! I could NOT believe it!! I have pointed in very angry manner that this was done without my consent etc and they have cancelled the visit! 

I suppose my question would be, would they be allowed to do it if I was unaware of it? My both meter are outside with easy access. 

The other question would be, can I secure the both boxes and prevent them from attempting to do it while I'm not at the property and without my knowledge? 

If you know so much, you will also be aware that under The Gas and Electricity Acts a Warrant of Entry (if one is required) can be obtained from a Court to change the meters in certain circumstances. Replacing end-of-life meters with smart meters does not require the homeowner’s permission. The supplier is legally obligated to change a meter before it reaches the end of its certified life.

400ixl

Once the existing meter is out of its warranted life, then yes they can force a new meter on you.

I do smile at the comment "I work in this sector and I know a lot about them!". You should then be aware that a new meter can be installed and configured in dumb mode, as in it will not be connected to the smart grid and sending readings.

No idea what your objections are to not having one, but there will come a date where you can no longer refuse to have a new meter (notice I say new and not smart even though the hardware is the same)

km1500

yes a utility company have unrestricted access to their meters and if they believe a meter needs changing or checking then they can do it without your permission

trying to stop them or blocking access will only result in the police being called

but as you work in the sector and know a lot about them then you already know this

JohnPo

lokyt82 said:

I suppose my question would be, would they be allowed to do it if I was unaware of it? My both meter are outside with easy access. 

The other question would be, can I secure the both boxes and prevent them from attempting to do it while I'm not at the property and without my knowledge? 

When I had a smart meter fitted - even though the meter was outside they needed access to the inside of the property to firstly plug in a test device into a socket before and afterwards and secondly to setup the in home display.  So I think if you refuse the appointment it won't get fitted.

[Deleted User]

JohnPo said:

lokyt82 said:

I suppose my question would be, would they be allowed to do it if I was unaware of it? My both meter are outside with easy access. 

The other question would be, can I secure the both boxes and prevent them from attempting to do it while I'm not at the property and without my knowledge? 

When I had a smart meter fitted - even though the meter was outside they needed access to the inside of the property to firstly plug in a test device into a socket before and afterwards and secondly to setup the in home display.  So I think if you refuse the appointment it won't get fitted.

They could just replace the meters and leave power and gas off until the occupant agrees to safety checks. That said, if any supplier was to go down the Warrant of Entry route then the consumer will be notified of the visit in advance. Whether or not he/she chooses to be present is somewhat academic in such an extreme circumstance. They wouldn’t be too bothered about the IHD.

rp1974

An interesting 1st post (Hmmm),from an "insider",as it were,particularly as such information should be core knowledge amongst such persons,I'd have thought really.
As ever,and as repeatedly mentioned the meters belong to the supplier,not the customer and suppliers are obligated to replace them as and when required and or necessary.
Uncertain as to the need for a court warrant,given no access to the customer property is needed,whilst access to the suppliers equipment is.
Will stay tuned for developments,if any.

GingerTim

Ayr_Rage said:

@lokyt82 do tell us your reasoning for not having smart meters !

Something to do with 'The Man', I expect.