To not let 'meter reader' in ...

[RandomLetters]

Just had a man come round to read the meter, he had ID but no idea if thats legit though

He was contracted out by EDF, British Gas etc so didn't know who my supplier was and his van was parked 'round the corner' and he walked down.

I'm sure it was fine but with alone with a baby in the house, I just wasn't comfortable letting him in!! Highly unlikely that he was dodgy I know

AIBU or should I have let him in?! (I have let others in before but always feel vulnerable)

No don't let them in. I agree with Nicknamesalltaken They are usually bloody rude with no people's skills too.

Good heavens, I’ve always let them in. Had no idea that I was opening myself and my infants up to unmentionable activity.

No need to be sarcastic to a woman alone with a baby who doesn't want a random man in her house

I'd have been reluctant too.

I wouldn't have let them in anyway though, as my meters are on the outside of my house at the front, so they have no business wanting in and I would be suspicious if they asked.

We have looked into getting a smart meter and almost did until we found that they seemed to be locked into given suppliers (like contract mobile phones usually are), making shopping around for the best deals even more hassle.

I don't know if they can come unlocked.

There really is no need even if you don't have a smart meter it is often much more convenient to take the reading and submit it yourself online than stop what you are doing and have the meter reader take it for you.

Despite me submitting our meter readings online since 2002, they always send a meter reader just after. Every time.

Legally you have to let them in once every 2 years, it's part of the contract of having a meter. But you can ask them to make an appointment and can refuse those who just knock, so you've done nothing wrong.

Lowri Beck seem to do most of the utility companies around here, and they seem to have good staff retention as we've had the same guy for a few years. They carry ID and it's not unusual for the van to be round the corner as their job sheet may have six houses on one street and six on the next street.

Legally you have to let them in once every 2 years, it's part of the contract of having a meter. But you can ask them to make an appointment and can refuse those who just knock, so you've done nothing wrong

What happens if you don't though?

We've had this happen several times (and I've been really annoyed) when it's not been at all convenient. I asked if it was possible for them to let one know in advance that they were coming - they suggested not. However, now i know better...

I don’t let them in. I would if the meter was easy to access like near a back door. But ours is in the roof. Also means I have to clear a loads of crap out of the way to get to it. You have to crawl on hands and knees in a tiny space to read it.

I have asked for it to be moved, but much sucking of teeth and muttering of cost seems to mean this isn’t possible.

I’m happy to take the reading for them if they want to return the next day.

Last week I had a man turn up, no visible van. No id. Wanting to read the meter. I don’t let him, he seemed confused by the refusal. Offered to take the reading and leave it for him to collect, but he didn’t want to do that.

This isn’t because I’m scared of a man, I’d have told a woman the same. It’s not convenient to turn up, unannounced (normally when I coking the toddlers lunch) and expect to read the meter.

What happens if you don't though?

They can force entry worth a warrant and charge you for the costs

Yeah they have to see it every couple of year to check it is still safe. Plus it will need replacing at sometime.

I don’t understand why they can’t just tell you when they are coming. Last time they came to me I was sleeping off a night shift, the kitchen was a mess and I wasn’t with it.

I don't let them in because submit our readings online monthly and the meters are in the back of the cupboard under the stairs so it's a bit of an effort to clear out all of the junk very important stuff, when they just turn up unannounced, often at dinner time

Legally you have to let them in once every 2 years, it's part of the contract of having a meter. But you can ask them to make an appointment and can refuse those who just knock, so you've done nothing wrong I never knew this. We've owned our place 9 years but it's an apartment with all the meters in the basement (which we have no access to) I assume the concierge must facilitate this.

You can contact your supplier and get a password of your choice put on to the account. No password, no entry. Simple.

They act like you have to let them in. I had one knock on the door and my. son was undressed in the house so I said he couldnt come

posted too soon couldnt come in and he said he had to!

I wouldn't have let him in, either. But on MN you're supposed to, and invite him to use your loo and give him tea and a meal, too. I make an appointment.

ID could be fake.
The meter readers round here come in their private unmarked cars.
I won't let one in without an appointment - you can insist on this.
When men stop raping women, then you can tell me I'm daft/paranoid/unreasonable.

And I know all men aren't sex attackers but most rapists are men.

If you submit your own readings they still call round. They only get paid about 70p per reading and I know it's not your problem, but if at all possible could people maybe shut the door and read it themselves for the metre readers.
If they need to do a gas safety check you can ask them to make an appointment.
I've had to get the Police to accompany one reader who was required to check and the guy swore and gave him abuse.
This was a past life, but the 70p is about right, still.

Having a password with your supplier makes no difference. The metre reading company have your name, address, contact number and metre details, and usually your supplier, this is it.
They have none of your account or payment details, your supplier is the only one to have these.
Suppliers outsource most of their work.

YANBU to not let him in if you are uncomfortable with it. Would not bother me personally though tbh.

Don't get smart meters though!

Worst advice ever.

I agree with the posters saying just ring the reading through to your suppliers, or open an account online and do it there.

They do still send a meter reader to me, but only once a year.

I don't understand the people saying they didn't want to let the meter reader in as it was 'inconvenient.' For most people it takes 5 minutes FGS. They don't hang around either as they have loads more to do!

Finally, to the people putting METRE, it's METER! A metre is a length!

Thanks everyone - I do have smart meter for electricity but not gas, good idea to make them wait whilst I go and read it. Should have thought of that!

He did have ID but I think that's a bit meaningless as really not hard to fake!

They need to check it every two years to check your meter is safe

Plus, presumably to check that the meter readings you’ve been submitting over the years are legitimate and you aren’t ripping them off.

As for all those who can’t believe the van wasn’t parked in view of the OP’s house . Can you honestly not imagine that not everyone has a drive or has an empty or available parking bay outside of their property?

@00100001 :-D