No Access to Electricity Meter

[nicph]

Our neighbour won't allow us access to our electricity meter. It's an old house that has been split into several units, and when they did it, the electricity meter for our house was left in his unit. It seems that he is in a feud with the freeholder over moving the electricity meter from his property into ours. Freeholder says no, it is too expensive. Neighbour refuses to give us the meter reading nor to the management team for the building.

We haven't had a meter reading for over a year, and didn't get a meter reading when we moved in either. We just pay whatever the direct debit is. Electricity company are aware that we can't access the meter but keep pestering us for a reading. What can we do?

Perhaps try asking the power company to do a traditional physical visit to the premises to read the meter on your behalf.
Or perhaps ask for a smart meter although that probably means one is put in the wrong place. It sounds like the two properties need two separate meters one in each place.

Tell the flat owner that the energy company can and will obtain a warrant to gain entry and it’s his locks that will be picked and possibly irreparably broken as a result. You will then him to the small claims court for any charges you incur and fully expect him to also pay your legal fees when you win.

I seem to recall that energy companies have a duty to inspect the meter at least every two years, so if the neighbour continues to be intransigent then someone ought to show up at some point....

If the reason the neighbour wants the meter moved is because he doesn't want people going into and out of his property all the time can you ask if he would allow access for a one off smart meter installation after which you won't need to access it again unless there's some issue?

The energy company can get a warrant to read it and move it

@nicph how far would it need to be moved for access? ie to the immediate outside wall from where it is? Or would it need more work than that ie it is currently in the middle of the house?

The meter owner ie whoever actually owns it not who your supplier is should really move it for access. It does periodically require a visual inspection by a meter reader to ensure it is safe. Plus right now they are estimating your bills and I would be kicking up a massive fuss about that aspect. The utility companies have a legal responsibility to not allow customers to get into debt, that means actual meter readings and correct direct debit amounts (I used to work for an electricity company) plus the safety aspect. Although a smart meter might be an option they still need that visual check so it needs moving.

So my thoughts are, get in touch requesting a meter move on their dime to make it accessible. State the two things above
estimated readings
visual checks for safety reasons.

As email is very easy these days, you could literally have a template email, send it, give it a week, send another, and another. Trust me, the squeaky wheel works. Yes they can get a warrant to access a property and if refused they do break in and change the locks if needed plus they charge that person for the warrant. Used to be £70 for the warrant when I worked there 20 years ago. Good luck.

To add, the company you pay ie Octopus liaise with whoever the meter belongs to ie SWEB (South West Electricity Board) and it gets changed. Your supplier clearly wants a reading, so use that too.