Energy meters: Shetland representatives meet OVO
Shetland’s MP Alistair Carmichael and MSP Beatrice Wishart, met yesterday (Monday 30th January) with OVO representatives to discuss meter issues facing islanders. Issues raised by constituents range from meter and smart meter installation delays to the length of time taken to repair or replace faulty meters.
The Northern Isles have some of the highest numbers of households in fuel poverty. Today’s meeting follows a meeting between Ofgem and Mr Carmichael, Ms Wishart and Liam McArthur, Orkney’s MSP, last August.
Islanders have also raised reports of being charged for smart meter installations. Last week Ms Wishart and Mr McArthur met with smart meter representatives to discuss network connection in the isles, Smart Energy GB, who confirmed the roll out of smart meters is free to customers.
After the meeting Mr Carmichael said:
“I am glad that SSE/OVO were willing to engage constructively and are open to meeting with islanders about the issues that we raised. Frustrations with the regularity of engineer services have been growing for some time, particularly with some feeling the need to disconnect meters due to rising standing charges. If there is not going to be a permanent engineer in the isles then at the very least there should be mitigating policies so that people do not have to pay more while they wait for appointments.
“I would encourage anyone who is having issues with meter installation or disconnection to contact our offices so that we can give a clear idea of the scope of the challenges to SSE/OVO. No one should be left paying extra for their energy connections simply because they cannot get an engineer in a reasonable time.”
Ms Wishart said:
“Constituents have told me of their anxiety because of the lack of control over their own heating and finances. On top of that constituents have felt the customer service has fallen short. It is not hard to understand why many are angry at the way they, as paying customers, have been treated.
“There needs to be greater understanding of island and rural life when it comes to arranging the booking of engineers to look at meter issues to ensure that when engineers are here they make best use of their time. Not everyone understands the logistics and planning involved in getting around here. OVO have said they intend to send an engineer to Shetland for a week in February, which I hope will resolve many currently outstanding cases.
Please let us know if you are experiencing issues related to an energy meter and we will make representations on your behalf.”
ENDS