“Important information relating to Landlord/tenant electricity Meters”
In terms of landlord/ tenant billing it is important to use Ofgem\MID approved meters these meters are compliant to current legislation, and governed primarily by the 1989 Electricity Act. According to the legislation any meter used for billing purposes must be of an approved pattern or type. Basically, meters of a specific design and construction meeting the Ofgem\MID standards are the only meters that can be used.
When purchasing Ofgem/MID approved meters the supplier should be able to provide a copy of the “Certificate of Approval” the meter does not need to be certified, although; meters used by a licensed electricity suppliers have to be certified except in the case of commercial and industrial situations if a written agreement is made with the customer before installation. Certification is a process carried out at a test station and meters are checked to ensure they conform to their pattern approval and are accurate. The meters are then sealed and allocated a certification life (how long they can be used before being taken off circuit and replaced).
For unlicensed electricity suppliers such as landlords, meters do not need to be certified but the owner is required to use an approved type and keep it in good order. The tenant has a right to read their meter. This is a basic right when it comes to metering. It applies to Landlord / tenant situations and should be taken into account when designing any new system.
All suppliers, including landlords, are required to read and inspect meters at least every two years to take a reading and check the meter is in good order. This ensures bills are not perpetually based upon estimated readings and the landlord can ensure meter connections are safe and have not been tampered with. Even if Ofgem\MID approved billing meters have been fitted, they cannot be relied upon for accuracy, unless they are installed in the correct manner by a qualified Electrical Installer in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
