Electricity meter readers

[Fitzer]

Just as a matter of interest having just had to wait on hold to my electricity company to give a meter reading even though the meter is in a box on the outside of my house. Is it classed as breaking and entering if the meter reader fails to gain your permission to open said meter box as the lad on the phone claimed. If so then I shall be taking action as the gas company never ask to read their meter in the other box....the law breaking swine!

[CheekyChops]

My gas and electric are both outside and I'm never in when they read the meters.

[Postdog]

I thought that was the point of having them outside - so they could be read without getting access.

[Fitzer]

The lad on the phone said that it would be classed as breaking and entering if they (the electricity company) opened the box without my permission, said box being on the outside of my property. I suppose that I cannot be classed as breaking and entering their box in that their card through the door saying sorry we couldn't read your meter specifically asks me to read the meter and call them, and in fact they supplied me with the key to open the box. Basically they employ a third party to read the meters and said meer reader wasn't bright/bothered enough to see the meter box.

[catmando]

JFRI = 'Just read it' and post it online to the utility company. That way you'll get (if you're lucky) an accurate bill and avoid the agro of estimated charges. No point in talking about the legalities of who can and cannot open the box. The meter has to be read. Life is too short.

[Fitzer]

Catmando, thanks for the wise, wise words; as I said in the original post I was asking merely as a matter of interest but I shall take your advice on board.

[themas]

The lad you spoke to was talking nonsense!