Who is responsible for the wiring between National Grid and Meters?

Risteard

Goldenyears said:

ENA (Engineering Networks Association) Recommendation document G87 is worth a read on the responsibilities of a Building network Operator (BNO)

ENA is the Energy Networks Association (NOT Engineering!).

ndelightfullyvaguely

Now there is radio silence from the management company who represent the freeholder. 

Would legal action be the next step or by then would I be paying money on legal fees that I could just pay for the repairs?

ndelightfullyvaguely

I have just received this, which is confusing because they're saying the wiring before my meter is my responsibility....

Thank you for your patience whilst I was referring matters to the Freeholder and the Head of Property Surveying.

Unfortunately, they have confirmed our position that the responsibility is not that of the Freeholder. We collect payment for Ground Rent and Insurance only, moreover there is no dedicated landlord supply therefore the problems of which you are faced is the responsibility of the leaseholder as we have no repair obligations

I am sorry this is not the news you were anticipating, but we are unable to assist in this regard.

We would recommend that you go back to the contractor / supply and provide them with a copy of your lease and inform of the above. 

I have checked my lease, there is no mention of it.

ndelightfullyvaguely

So after a couple more years trying to get this sorted, nobody wants to take responsiblity and I am stuck. The issue is before the meter.

I can't get an electrician to work on it because it's before the meter.

The Property Management Company have got my lease and quoted this part:

2. The Tenant hereby covenants with the Landlord and so far as applicable with the owners of the other flats capable of benefit thereby that the Tenant and the persons deriving title under him will at all times hereafter observe and perform the obligations as follows:—

(7) To keep in repair and replace when necessary all cisterns pipes wires ducts and any other things installed for the purpose of supplying water (hot or cold) and electricity and for the purpose of draining away water and soil or for the allowing of escape of steam or other deleterious matter from the said premises insofar as such pipes wires ducts and other things are solely installed or used only for the purpose of the demised premises and for the purpose of such repairs the Tenant and his workmen shall have access to such pipes wires ducts and other things where they are in upon or under the parts of the said flats upon proper notice to the Landlord being given—

Can anybody advise how I can just get a smart meter fitted so I am not stuck on as pay as you go key forever?

Thanks

Heedtheadvice

This post may or may not be helpful, I am not leagaly qualified to help not have leasehold experience to fall back on, but suggestion...

I does seem a messy arrangement but I presume you do not 'own' the 'common areas'? Key to the matter is surely who has responsibility....

The doc you refer to seems to make a landlord/Tenant arrangement but puts the responsibilities on the tenant or tenants ( jointly ) for services. I would think there has to be more to it than that section and you might refer to the whole document.

Also as it seems to define a Landlord Tenant relationship there are now national laws that might override that doc as new regulations define Landlord responsibilities.

Now it is unclear to me what might be the legal position but surely worth investigating to hopefully have a chance to sort out not just a mess but a likely not compliant supply?

Particular of interest is who is the landlord. It might be an external party or one or all of the leaseholders I.e. jointly with the management company acting for all. Have a look at search results https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&q=landlord+definition+in+common+property+areas#lfId=ChxjMe

which gives some info a potentially useful links.

FFHillbilly

So in summany (correct me If I'm wrong)

you can't get a smart meter fitted as the meter fitters refuse to work on the current arrangement as it's not done properly, and also as multiple flats/dwellings would need to be isolated in order to change the meter

DNO say it's the responsibilty of the building owner

the Building owner doesn't seem to want anything to do with it and say it's upto you

Electricians have said they can't do it because it's "before the meter", and regular domestic electricans aren't allowed to cut the seals on the main fuse or meters

If I were in your position I would seek the permission of the building owner to employ and electrician yourself to carry out the work, and the permission of all the other affected flats/dwellings

arrange a day for the DNO to come and disconnect the supply

find an electrican who is able to do the work ie. install an isolaotor for each flat/dwelling. this will probably require something in writing from the building owner and the energy companies who own the meters

then get the energy companies to refit all the meters

Heedtheadvice

That is my practical conclusion too. Having an isolator individually fitted should then remove any problem currently preventing smart meter fitting. There might also be a main isolator in the green box so that would not need to involve the DNO, just the BNO's ( agent's ) permission. The other properties should only be affected for a very short period of maybe an hour and if an isolator is fitted close to your meter ( not to any other property's wiring!) would not disturb the BNO or other flats wiring.

And it aids any future maintenance of your demised property.