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Original poster

Gas company wanting to do work in my house

14 replies

OneSugar1 · 09/12/2021 15:15

Not sure if anyone knows what my rights but some contractors for someone (don’t know who) are doing something in the street (don’t know what) and say they have to replace my gas meter.

My gas meter is inside my house, in a new built-in set of units in my utility room that I’ve just had renovated at quite some expense.

I don’t mind them moving the meter but I’m concerned they’re going to cause damage to my new cupboards/room/property.

I don’t know what to do.

OP posts:
Collaborate · 09/12/2021 15:38

I suspect it's the same that they did at ours recently. They are in the middle of a programme of replacing all the lead pipes in the country. They will rod the new pipe through the old one so it's unlikely to need any digging up. I don't see the problem in them replacing your meter. they have to do this when they upgrade the pipe. I think the alternative they offer you is that you get cut off.

Collaborate · 09/12/2021 15:39

On the other hand I may be wrong and it may be something else entirely.

Saucery · 09/12/2021 15:40

When this happened to us there was no damage at all to the built in units around the meter and they were very careful and tidy, if that’s any help?

HeatonGrove · 09/12/2021 15:42

Get them to write to you and explain exactly what they need to do, when they would like to do it, how long it is likely to take and what arrangements there are for compensating you for any damage/inconvenience.

Do not agree to anything before they have done this.

Saucery · 09/12/2021 15:42

cadentgas.com/in-your-area

This is the relevant page for the supplier in our area. If yours isn’t Cadent then they might still have an information page on their website?

Original poster
OneSugar1 · 11/12/2021 04:59

Thanks for the replies. They are coming to move the meter tomorrow.

It does sound like the same issue as a previous poster - ie they are replacing all metal pipes in the area with plastic.

There isn’t really an option for me to get a written letter from them telling me what they are going to do because they’ve basically given me 36 hours notice or they will cut the gas off as they deem it “critical work”. I have recorded our lengthy conversation on it though where they said they would make good on everything etc.

I’m pretty upset and worried but I feel like they’ve got me over a barrel because it’s the middle of bloody winter and I’ve got two young kids in the house.

OP posts:
LemonViolet · 11/12/2021 05:20

36 hours notice to permit workmen to enter your property or they’ll cut the gas supply off? That doesn’t sound right. What if you were away, isolating with C19, etc? Even just working long hours and not in to permit access.

AwkwardSquad · 11/12/2021 05:27

We had our gas meter replaced a few years ago - the meter was in a little purpose-built wooden cupboard in the corner of the room, with a bookcase next to it. We didn’t need to move anything and there was no damage or mess.

Original poster
OneSugar1 · 11/12/2021 14:20

They’ve been and done it and so far all ok (although gas has to go off again on Monday all day).

I know Lemon Violet - it’s awful isn’t it. If you were away or they couldn’t otherwise get access they would just cut you off!

OP posts:
Original poster
OneSugar1 · 11/12/2021 14:29

This is what I found online yesterday. They only have to give you 48hours notice and if you’re not in and they need access inside your home you need to make arrangements to have someone in there that you trust. What if you’re on holiday? Don’t have anyone available?

The two didn’t tell me anything about this in advance. The only thing I was told about were that some temporary traffic lights were going up.

Gas company wanting to do work in my house
OP posts:
Original poster
OneSugar1 · 11/12/2021 14:32

We’ll I say it’s ‘ok’. There are three massive holes in the back garden which theyve said they will come back to fill in.

OP posts:
roses2 · 11/12/2021 14:40

We had ours done last month. The workers are "builders" but did a good job and everything got put back the way it was. Take photos before they touch anything so you have recourse.

Saucery · 11/12/2021 14:44

@OneSugar1

We’ll I say it’s ‘ok’. There are three massive holes in the back garden which theyve said they will come back to fill in.
That happened to my parents and they did come back fairly quickly and fill it in. Different team of workers.
GrannytoaUnicorn · 11/12/2021 15:09

@OneSugar1

Thanks for the replies. They are coming to move the meter tomorrow.

It does sound like the same issue as a previous poster - ie they are replacing all metal pipes in the area with plastic.

There isn’t really an option for me to get a written letter from them telling me what they are going to do because they’ve basically given me 36 hours notice or they will cut the gas off as they deem it “critical work”. I have recorded our lengthy conversation on it though where they said they would make good on everything etc.

I’m pretty upset and worried but I feel like they’ve got me over a barrel because it’s the middle of bloody winter and I’ve got two young kids in the house.

They can't cut you off if you have young children, that's illegal. Tell them you have Omicron! (Only half serious there...)
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