meter readers

[bizylizzie]

I signed up with British Gas to read my own gas meter, which works perfectly for both of us. I was given the understanding that the official meter reader had to be allowed access once a year just to check the reading was not fraudulent. Today I was confronted by a very stroppy meter reader who refused to get off my doorstep untill I let him in , who said he was required by law to read it. I am not impressed at being forced to allow someone into my house at 7.20 in the evening against my express wishes, Can someone tell me is I could have refused point blank, or is this yet another new law> thanks in advance

[sara3]

but if the agreement is that you have to let him in once a year.... you really have to let him in, unless it was really inconvenient.

if you didn't like his attitude you should complain, but a deal's a deal.

[barry1010]

It's not a new law. They have the right to get a warrant and force entry if you do not comply under the Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954.

[ChuckFickens]

of course you could have refused him entry, pretty much the only people you have to give access to your house is the police with a warrant!

when you signed up you probably agreed to allow them access but it also probably said with reasonable notice or similar, are you sure you've not missed a letter telling you a date they would be calling?

if you felt threatened then complain to your supplier that you felt intimidated by the meter reader and he effectively forced his way into your property