Gas meter failed - replacement too big ?

[SimonH2]

OK, an update. You couldn't make this up and be believed

So, the new meter was ordered, and an appointment made to come and fit it. However, a few days before that appointment, my Dad was given an appointment for his course of radiotherapy - he's got cancer which wasn't spotted for some time, but once they worked out what it was things have moved very quickly. Cue lots of trekking off down to Preston.

So he rang round various people to cancel other appointments - including the gas meter change. Apparently the lady he spoke to was very understanding and told him to just ring in when he would be available and they'd schedule another appointment.

Only, he gets home to find a letter from BG, the tone of which was "you are preventing us replacing the meter, and as it's a safety issue, if you don't contact me immediately we'll get a warrant allowing us to force entry and cut you off". It did start with "I've been unable to contact you" which is a complete and utter lie as he left no messages on the answer machine.

So, Dad called the guy back, and I suspect "put his side robustly" as he's not one of those people who um and ah about saying something. He'll have pointed out that there's no safety issue, and that the reason for the meter change is because their meter broke down, and that he'd told them why he couldn't meet the appointment, and that they are the ones that had turned up to the first one without the right replacement.
An appointment was made for last week, and on the allotted day ...

... the engineer assigned the job phoned up to say he couldn't get at the meter as it was locked away in the stores

So it still hasn't been changed.

 

[MeterMonkey]

Sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he is on the mend.

That sounds rather ****ish of BG. But I assume it is just a standardized letter which is most probably computer generated.

Contact them and inform them of previous engineer visit. If this doesn't get you anywhere ask to speak with the Smart Energy Manager from the district where you reside. After explaining the situation with him, he may either deal with it himself, or could pass it on to the 'gas coach' of the patch who should be able to make the calls or at least delegate with the manager to get hold of the type of meter you need.

Let me know how you get on, if you get no where, I'll make some calls for you, as long as you don't mind handing over your information to me.

 

[SimonH2]

Sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he is on the mend.

The medical people seem to be making positive noises

That sounds rather **** of BG. But I assume it is just a standardized letter which is most probably computer generated.

I assumed that as well - it's sorted now (until next time ). AFAIK they hvae the right meter, it just wasn't available to the engineer tasked with fitting it - so we're waiting for BG to get back to us with another appointment.

 

[SimonH2]

Well we're well into Keystone Cops territory now.

Apparently a man arrived to day to change the meter, bringing with him ... a big standard meter. Apparently Dad phoned the nice lady at BG he's been dealing with, and would have made Victor Meldrew seem quiet and restrained

 

[Nige F]

Google "The gas man cometh" by Flanders and Swann . Your Dad might remember it . I hope he`s doing OK with his treatment @ the hospital

 

[SimonH2]

I know the song well.
Dad'd due to see the consultant in the next week or two to see how things are going.

 

[SimonH2]

Well, we finally have a new working meter. It only took numerous phone calls, a scariegram letter from BG, and FIVE visits - but they did eventually manage it !

 

[Dan Robinson]

Just in time for price rise.


Funny that