Meter reading error - how cross to get? Post Reply

[GrumpyDad2]

Hi
I'd love some advice please.

We've moved to a new electricity supplier and a week or so ago they sent around someone to read the meter.

The meter is in the basement and the person, due to issues with their mobility, was unable to get to the meter. As a result they took a picture of the meter at arms length and then used that for the bill.

They must have mis inputted the information from the photo as the next thing I hear is from the electricity company asking me to double check the reading as it can't be right. Unless we're operating a blast furnace in our basement (OK, I made that bit up).

So...how grumpy should I get with the company. One the one hand I feel like getting cross and saying "Oi, in future please send someone who can actually do the job" and although that may feel harsh I remember that it almost cost me LOT of money. Then on the other I feel really bad as this person has big mobility issues.

I'd love some input - normally I'm quite self-assured and would throw my toys out my cot but in this circumstance I feel like I'm picking on someone with a disability and then on the other it almost cost me a lot of money and then...

[misstemple]

I'd love some input - normally I'm quite self-assured and would throw my toys out my cot but in this circumstance I feel like I'm picking on someone with a disability and then on the other it almost cost me a lot of money and then...

It is wonderful to see so many issues raised here with care and consideration.

I like to think there is a way to strike the balance. I don't think getting cross and complaining as such is the way forward here. But I do think the company should have feedback regarding their meter readers if the job is not performed safely and accurately. My instinct is that it's not picking on someone unfairly, as it clearly is going to be an ongoing issue. The employer needs to have considered this, and if not, needs to do so now.

What would happen if the reader had an accident during the job at your home? Where disability is concerned it needs a separate risk assessment.

It's also worth looking at it from another possible way - How would you react if the error was in your favour and it wasn't detected?

Good luck, and I wish you an outcome that benefits everyone.

[Jen66]

'it almost cost me a lot of money.'

But it didn't.

The company picked up on the mistake and it's been sorted. I can't see that there's any further action needed.

[GrumpyDad2]

Thanks for the advice Jen and MT.

I KNOW this feels like a first world problem!

[cyprus19]

I'd chase this up. I had an issue with a meter reading and when I changed suppliers and it took about 6/ 7 hours on the phone to British gas to sort out. It was a nightmare.

Still nearly two years later I'm having issues with estimates from the new provider as the base starting point was wrong.

The reading of the meter is a really big control point for the change of supply and if they are not being read properly it's an issue regardless of the circumstances.

[JessyJ]

I think you should call that company and politely tell them what the situation is. I think another specialist will come to you and take a new photo. I understand that this is a very unpleasant situation, but we all make mistakes. I can't say for sure, but I don't think you addressed to a professional company. I don't think this can happen with high-quality specialists. Just recently I had to replace the AC system and I called the guys from https://www.newfurnace-newac.com/get-a-quote-page-1/. I have never met more attentive and accurate specialists! So now for all questions related to HVAC, I turn only to them.