Octopus wouldn't install a smart meter

legside_strangler

I requested smart meters but when the installer visited he said he couldn't install a smart meter because there was a lack of space in the cupboard. We were told we would need to get cables moved to make room for the meter at our expense ( around £800) so we didn't pursue it. Our meter is old and needs to be replaced,. If Octopus turn up and tell us they want to replace the meter would they have to carry out the remedial works at their expense?

Rodders53

No they would not have to do it at their cost.

Pic of what is there now may aid suggestions as to what is possible for you to have altered at reasonable cost. I assume you own the property and do not rent.

Be aware that the board for the DNO cutout (fuse) and metering kit / cables should have nothing else on it (barring, perhaps, an isolator between meter and consumer unit tails).

35har1old

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81901828#Comment_81901828

Are you talking about a outside meter cupboard?

[Deleted User]

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81901828#Comment_81901828

"Be aware that the board for the DNO cutout (fuse) and metering kit / cables should have nothing else on it (barring, perhaps, an isolator between meter and consumer unit tails)."

So you would say none of these examples are legal? Some look quite old, and the newer ones in the external cabinet came from a electricians website.

Scot_39

It is up to the property owner (occupier or landlord if a rental) to provide a location / space for a meter to be fitted.

Smart meters can be bigger than some old digital / analogue - not too much different from some older.

Without knowing what the cables in the way are - its likely that given the fitters £800 quote - they could be the owners responsibility - and not the meter fitters / suppliers.

Without a photo - impossible to comment in detail - but yes - I suspect you need to get a few quotes from local electricians for the work

legside_strangler

Here's what we've got.

Ildhund

… and this is what you need, according to HMG: