Electricity Act 1989

Testing etc. of meters E+W+S

7 (1) It shall be the duty of a meter examiner [F1 employed in the civil service of the State], on being required to do so by any person and after giving notice to such persons as may be prescribed— E+W+S

(a) to examine and test any meter used or intended to be used for ascertaining the quantity of electricity supplied to any premises;

(b) to determine whether it is of an approved pattern or construction and, if it is installed for use, whether it is installed in an approved manner;

(c) to determine whether it is in proper order for ascertaining the quantity of electricity supplied within the prescribed margins of error and, if it has been in use and there is a dispute as to whether it registered correctly at any time, to determine if possible whether it registered within those margins at that time; and

(d) to make a written report of his conclusions as to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c) above.

(2) If a meter examiner determines that a meter is, or was at any time, operating outside the prescribed margins of error, he shall if possible give an opinion as to—

(a) any period for which the meter has or may have been so operating; and

(b) the accuracy (if any) with which it was or may have been operating for any such period.

(3) Regulations under this paragraph may make provision for determining the fees to be paid [F2 to meter examiners employed in the civil service of the State] for examining and testing meters, and the persons by whom and the circumstances in which they are to be paid.

(4) In relation to a meter used or intended to be used in connection with an exempt supply, this paragraph shall have effect as if any reference to the prescribed margins of error included a reference to any margins of error agreed between the [F3 authorised supplier] and the customer (in this Schedule referred to as “agreed margins of error”).

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 7 para. 7(1) inserted (1.4.2009) by Energy Act 2008 (c. 32), ss. 96(7)(a), 110(2); S.I. 2009/45, art. 3(b)(ii)

F2 Words in Sch. 7 para. 7(3) inserted (1.4.2009) by Energy Act 2008 (c. 32), ss. 96(7)(b), 110(2); S.I. 2009/45, art. 3(b)(ii)

F3 Words in Sch. 7 para. 7(4) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 2(1); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)

8 (1) This paragraph applies where there is a genuine dispute as to the accuracy of a meter used for ascertaining the quantity of electricity supplied to any premises and notice of the dispute— E+W+S

(a) is given to the [F4 authorised supplier] by the customer, or to the customer by the [F4 authorised supplier]; or

(b) is given to the [F4 authorised supplier] and to the customer by any other person interested.

(2) Except with the approval of a meter examiner and, if he so requires, under his supervision, the meter shall not be removed or altered by the supplier or the customer until after the dispute is resolved by agreement or the meter is examined and tested under paragraph 7 above, whichever first occurs.

(3) If the supplier or the customer removes or alters the meter in contravention of sub-paragraph (2) above, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in Sch. 7 para. 8(1)(a)(b) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 5 para. 2(1); S.I. 2001/3266, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-20)