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Mia
Rank 1
August 31, 2022
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Why has someone visited to read my meter - I submit my readings every month?

I just opened my door to find a man reading my electric meter. When I said I send monthly readings he replied saying they have to do regular safety checks. Is this legitimate?

HAL_9000
HAL_9000Best Answer
Newcomer
August 31, 2022

Updated on 19/10/23 by Abby_OVO.

 

 

The meter reader checks the readings, and also checks for safety issues i.e. loose wires.   They also check for tampering, like broken seals and meter bypassing etc.

 

We recently had 3 checks within 2 months, and the reader said it was all of the above, and also, our usage had reduced drastically..    We’ve gone 100% LED on bulbs, and everything on standby is either switched off or put on Alexa activated smart plugs.      We have cut down by almost 40% of what we were using.

May the world become a better place.
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6 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
August 31, 2022

Hi @Mia ,

It is true that checks do have to be performed from time to time, usually as part of meter reader visits. Did this person say where they were from or who they were visiting on behalf of by any chance?

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HAL_9000
Newcomer
HAL_9000Best Answer
Newcomer
August 31, 2022

Updated on 19/10/23 by Abby_OVO.

 

 

The meter reader checks the readings, and also checks for safety issues i.e. loose wires.   They also check for tampering, like broken seals and meter bypassing etc.

 

We recently had 3 checks within 2 months, and the reader said it was all of the above, and also, our usage had reduced drastically..    We’ve gone 100% LED on bulbs, and everything on standby is either switched off or put on Alexa activated smart plugs.      We have cut down by almost 40% of what we were using.

May the world become a better place.
    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    August 31, 2022

    Thanks for the assist @HAL_9000 ! :)

    We also try to keep an out for those things on this forum as well, especially forum volunteers like myself. If we spot a safety issue (or what we think might be one), we’ll always let you know in the thread.

    If however, we spot possible signs of tampering, we have a different way of dealing with that., usually by privately flagging the thread for attention. I don’t think any of us have had to do that for quite some time though (fortunately!). 

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      Newcomer
      Ellay
      Newcomer
      May 12, 2023

      Anyone else had a meter reader tonight (6pm) Shillington area ??

      Blastoise186
      Super User
      Blastoise186Super User
      Super User
      May 12, 2023

      Hi @Ellay ,

      I see you’ve posted in a few places on the forum. I’m going to answer here to keep things in one place.

      I’m afraid it’s unlikely anyone will respond to your question with an answer that helps. Most people only come here to ask specific questions and it’s not very often we get two people from the same area at the same time.

      OVO uses a company called Morrison Data Services for this purpose, which is a legitimate company. All their reps carry ID.

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        Newcomer
        Ellay
        Newcomer
        May 12, 2023

        Ok Blastoise 186 thanks very much :)

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

        OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

        OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

        OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd