Disconnection Warrants

[Meter Man]

Part of my job as an Electricity Meter Installer is carrying out Disconnection Warrants. Talk about a doddle, most warrant calls are a complete cock-up. I don't know how the suppliers get away with it.

[ozzywizard]

Yeah tell me about it, lol. 60 % of warrant calls are due to incorrect billing by the supplier. Others are ppl in genuine hardship that have tried to offer patment plans but not accepted. Others are ppl who just cannot manage their finances and hope it will go away and it gets to the stage of warrant but most is due to the system letting them down. What MPAN area do you work in ? I am in 16.

[Meter Man]

22. May be elsewhere soon as our Meter Operations are being taken over. I'm not sure where I will fit in yet!

[postggj]

for disconnection warrents does a baliff/police officer have to be in attendence for disconnection

[robin9342]

Originally Posted by postggj

for disconnection warrents does a baliff/police officer have to be in attendence for disconnection

No, unless there is likely to be a breach of the peace.

[postggj]

even at the time, nobody was at home

[robin9342]

There does not need to be anyone at home to carry out the disconnection warrant. The installer can break in to disconnect provided the property is left secure afterwards.

[postggj]

apparently the lock smith did not change lock but picked it
the oap could not enter as lock had been damaged
locksmith returning this afternoon to replace lock
my point being this chap is 82, and spent 7 hours outside confused
unable to enter

[robin9342]

In which case, I am sure the gas/electric company is liable for the damage. Further, utility companies are not supposed to cut off vulnerable people, as would be the case with an 82 yr old. (although I am not sure if that is a legal requirement or just guidelines).

[postggj]

just an update
locksmith has just left, and replaced the lock that was damaged, no charge,
still unsure about not having police/ baliff in attendance as nobody at hame
they could have just helped themselves
need a post link where it states in law they can do this

[robin9342]

Originally Posted by postggj

just an update
locksmith has just left, and replaced the lock that was damaged, no charge,
still unsure about not having police/ baliff in attendance as nobody at hame
they could have just helped themselves
need a post link where it states in law they can do this

Already done on another thread:
Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954 (c.21)


Doesn't say anything there about needing police/bailiff (unless I missed something)