To not allow some random bloke in to read the gas meter?

[geordieminx]

Just thought I would ask the opinion of the masses.

I used to have no problem with gas/electricity man coming in to read the meter, but over the winter it became more often(2 a month), several different companies and none of them actually giving the reading to the company that we are with (hence £300 bill at end of contact with old company). They also have a habit of trailing mud through the house.

The elecricity meter is in a cupboard behind the sofa, which is currently full of toys, to get to it I climb over the sofa, but would have to move everything to allow someone in to read it.

Maybe its just me being paranoid but I'm not really keen on having somone in the house, when I'm just with ds who 20 months, and both of us are in our pj's?

What does everyone else do?

[bran]

I wouldn't allow them in, especially if they are not from the company you are with. I don't think they have any right of access. When you answer the door tell them that meter reading is by prior appointment only, and only for the company that you buy your energy from.

[Lauriefairyonthetreeeatscake]

I don't let them in to read the electricity metre as it's in an inacessible place without moving a load of furniture.

I keep it up to date by phoning it through. And I also see clients at home so even if in I usually don't answer the door.

[roomforthree]

This sounds odd - meters are normally read every six months. I would check the meter reading policy with the energy company you are with.

I would also ask the meter reader for photo ID, and confirm which company they are reading for, if they turn up again.

I'm with you about the mud issue - how hard is it for them not to walk in mud, FGS!

[geordieminx]

I told him I didnt allow anyone into the house whilst my husband wasnt there, at which he huffed and said he was there to read the meter, I told him I knew, then shut the door and locked it.

[sunnygirl1412]

You ought to be able to submit your meter readings yourself by phone (or over the net, perhaps - not sure) so there would be no necessity to let the meter reader in.

[laweaselmys]

I imagine you had an extra one at christmas when lots of companies were changing their prices.

I reckon it's totally fair enough to refuse entry to anyone except your energy supplier, in fact - that's so what I'm going to do now.

[MerryMadMarg]

I queried one guy who came around to do the meter reading, and he was adament that he be allowed in. I asked him what the name was on his list, and it was from 3 years previously! Basically told him to bogg off at that point.

[Alibear1]

We get these people too and I always send them away. They are always from other companies than the one we have our gas and electricity with and always spout some line about the meter reading being contracted out. I never know whether it's true or not or whether they are trying to get a reading to send you a comparative bill and persuade you to change over.

All a bit bizarre IMO and I never let them in the house.

[NCBirdy]

Meter reading is contracted out though! It is normal these days to get a different company than the one your supply is with.

I do agree that you can do it by phone though - never allow someone in you are not comfortable with. Basic rules IMO!

[wideratthehips]

i hate hate letting meter readers into my house and i recently signed up to do duel fuel online and give meter readings myself, but still they come and i hate it so much. how do you verify who they are?

[onager]

Phone your elec supplier and ask them how to identify a genuine meter reader. They may say he will know your account number or some such thing. Then if they don't know you can treat it as criminal deception to gain entry and call the police.

I gather that rival companies read meters in order to offer you a deal with them. They have no special right to do so and implying they are the regular meter reader IS deception.

Of course some criminals also do it so it's sensible to be careful.

[NCBirdy]

They should have an id badge with a photo and you can call your utility company to verify if you wish to.

Most won't stick around that long though as they do not have time. Usually I found they would give a card for you to write your reading on and leave visiable the next day or ask you to call it in.

[Gorionine]

our gas meater is outside so I do not have such a problem. If it was inside I would go for bran's way: only with prior arrangement.

[ilovelovemydog]

Can't you call your supplier and give your own readings?

[Thunderduck]

Absolutely not, they could be conning you or could steal anything or worse/ Continue to keep yourself safe by refusing. If they are legitimate they will understand.

[wotulookinat]

I never let them in to read the water because it's too much hassle to lock the dogs away, let a stranger in, have him move the washing machine etc etc. He leaves a card and I get DH to read it and ring in with a reading. Luckily the gas meter is on the outside of the house so they don't have to come in. I wouldn't let them in either. YANBU.

[mm22bys]

YANBU, but I let a random stranger in just today to read the gas meter (not easily accessible!).

Normally I would do it myself and let him stand at the door, but I was off -guard as I was expecting a visitor at that time anyway!

I know all the horrible stories but guess rather naively took a chance...

[kickassangel]

i'm gobsmacked. we lived in our last house for over 7 years & NEVER had the gas read, even though it was in an outside meter & VERY easy to access.
a different company tried to read it once, then realised we weren't on their list & went away.

[wotulookinat]

How do you know it was never read if it was an outside meter?

[AnybodyHoHoHomeMcFly]

Nope I don't let them in, I always phone our readings through. Besides they often turn up at DC bathtime / bedtime.