not letting this guy in to read the electricity meter?

[Mammina]

Doorbell just rang, someone asking to read the electricity meter. We are on the top floor and have a video entry system so I could see what he looked like. I am sure we've just had it read in the last month or so (6 weeks max) so I said 'i'm sure we've just had it done', to which he replied 'oh there's been a problem with the reading we just need to double check it's right'. Anyway I said 'it's not a good time can it be done at a later date', to which he replied ok and went off. Think I'll call the electricity board to check - was a bit strange as he had big comedy glasses on (they may well have been real, in which case he should have gone to specsavers ) and a woolly hat - and it's a lovely sunny day today....

Ring the electricity board, if they can't verify he should be there ring the police. If he's genuine he'll show the police his ID and be on his way, if he's not you'll have prevented people from being burgled.

you should take your own readings once a quarter at least

you could have shouted it down to him

These so called 'meter readers' really hack me off. Most times they are from rival elec/gas companies touting for new customers. They ring your bell, all official, we let them in then they try and get us to switch. Its a blinkin nuisance!

I just rang them, she said it could well have been one of their guys bec they do random checks.. the only way she could check would be if I'd booked it in.
Morningpaper I'll go & read it now so I'm prepared if he does come back, or I may even call them and give them the reading so they have it.
thanks

Have you checked whether he's left a card through your letterbox? If he was genuine, that's what he would have done, with a proper official note and details of the company and everything.

E-on, our elec company, have been a bit over-the-top about readings recently. They've got Siemens out doing readings every couple of blardy weeks. They won't always accept your own reading either, they keep saying they have to do it.

mrsmaid I've never had that happen (only by phone). they do seem to come round VERY often though. Will do it myself from now on

think you were right not to let him in. the ones round here always offer their id first and say who they are from. can't see why there should have been a problem with previous sounds a bit vague, surely they would have written first. could be someone just trying to get into block for not very good reasons.

i've not let them in my house if they can't show id, or if they call so early i'm not dressed - one called at 7am....no way!!!! I said you'll have to come back later.

liked another poster has said, ring the company with your own meter reading, its easier. I think they are only obliged to call annually to get their own reading.

We get people round every 5 mins it seems.

I have heard they get paid per reading which is why they can get stroppy if you won't let them in/say it's just been done etc.

I always check they are actually from our supplier. Otherwise what right have they got to poke around looking at your meter?