Hey Everyone,
We have been looking into how we can inform our customers & members, on why we replace meters when they become of a certain age, we call this a meter certification date. I have seen some questions in the past about Eon Next contacting customers to have the meter changed. Hopefully this can help answer those questions.
More on this below 👇
What is meter certification?
The easiest way to explain this is, Gas and Electric meters have a 'best before date' which is known as the 'certification date. This date is set by the Office for Product Safety and Standard, OPSS for short. As we approach the certification date, we have a legal obligation to change that meter.
How do I know my meter needs to be replaced? 📅
We hold data on all the meters that we supply energy to, this is also on the National Database. Once a meter has passed its certification date. we’ll send you a letter or email asking you to get in touch to book a free meter exchange appointment. A way of checking how old your meter is - The first 2 digits of the serial number, often indicate that was the year your meter was manufactured.
Do I need to have my energy meters replaced? ⚡🔥
Yes, under governmental regulation (The Electricity Act 1989) we’re required to replace your meters.
Why should I have my meter replaced? 🧐
Meters over time might not be as accurate as they once were. It's really important we measure usage as accurately as possible. Due to the risk that your meter might not measure your usage accurately once its certification date has passed is where our legal obligation to change that meter comes into play, we must replace any old meter with new ones. Something I have noticed with this is people believe the meters become dangerous, this isn't the case. It's purely down to the fact that there is potential for the meter to stop working correctly meaning we could bill you too much or too little for the energy that you use.
What if only one of my meters needs replacing? 🤔
If we supply both your electricity and gas we’ll replace both of your meters, even if only one has passed its certification date. We will, where possible, replace your old meters with a smart meter.This is inline with rules set by Ofgem around meter replacement. The New and Replacement Obligation (NRO) requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to install smart meters for customers where possible.
For example if you are eligible for a Smart Meter we would only replace your expired meter with new Smart Meter. Smart meters come with benefits. They send us your meter readings automatically and show you your energy use, on an in-home display (IHD).
Do I have to pay to have my meters replaced? 🤑
No, It's completely free, there is no charge for having your meters replaced under the meter certification process.
Will my tariff or payment arrangement change if I have a smart meter? 🛑
There will be no changes to tariffs or payment types. Lets say if you're on pay as you go, you will remain on pay as you go. You would be able to top up online instead of using your payment key, saving you having to take a trip to your local shop to top up. The only thing that will change is your physical meter, old for new.
To summarise,
We will write to anyone who needs to have their meters changed, we are also calling customers to advise, below are the numbers being used. This should help people realise these calls are legit and from Eon Next
01443-544990 - This is the number that will show on your phone
01443544985 - This is the number that we put in Text Messages (SMS) for customers to call us back.
01443544984 - Will be in some email communications
I think it's really important in this day and age that our bills are accurate. That's the biggest thing for me, is knowing that my bills are correct month to month. I had read previously about health and safety and the meters aren't safe etc, I have mentioned this above however to reiterate the meters are safe, this is purely down to accuracy etc. We would really like to avoid catch up bills or you having to chase us for refunds. You should pay accurately for the energy you use in your home, no more, no less.
Feel free to tag away in the comments below, we will always get back to you.
Here are some useful links about the Meter Certification - The guidance on this is also below.Government Certification Guidance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric...-certification
Electricity Act 1989 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/29/contents
Electricity meter certification
Legally manufacture meters which are of the design originally approved and ensure they are verified to operate within the statutory limits.
Electricity Act 1989
An Act to provide for the appointment and functions of a Director General of Electricity Supply and of consumers’ committees for the electricity supply industry; to make new provision with respect to the supply of electricity through electric lines and the generation and transmission of electricity for such supply; to abolish the Electricity Consumers’ Council and the Consultative Councils established under the Electricity Act 1947; to provide for the vesting of the property, rights and liabilities of the Electricity Boards and the Electricity Council in companies nominated by the Secretary of State
We have been looking into how we can inform our customers & members, on why we replace meters when they become of a certain age, we call this a meter certification date. I have seen some questions in the past about Eon Next contacting customers to have the meter changed. Hopefully this can help answer those questions.
What is meter certification?
The easiest way to explain this is, Gas and Electric meters have a 'best before date' which is known as the 'certification date. This date is set by the Office for Product Safety and Standard, OPSS for short. As we approach the certification date, we have a legal obligation to change that meter.
How do I know my meter needs to be replaced? 📅
We hold data on all the meters that we supply energy to, this is also on the National Database. Once a meter has passed its certification date. we’ll send you a letter or email asking you to get in touch to book a free meter exchange appointment. A way of checking how old your meter is - The first 2 digits of the serial number, often indicate that was the year your meter was manufactured.
Do I need to have my energy meters replaced? ⚡🔥
Yes, under governmental regulation (The Electricity Act 1989) we’re required to replace your meters.
Why should I have my meter replaced? 🧐
Meters over time might not be as accurate as they once were. It's really important we measure usage as accurately as possible. Due to the risk that your meter might not measure your usage accurately once its certification date has passed is where our legal obligation to change that meter comes into play, we must replace any old meter with new ones. Something I have noticed with this is people believe the meters become dangerous, this isn't the case. It's purely down to the fact that there is potential for the meter to stop working correctly meaning we could bill you too much or too little for the energy that you use.
What if only one of my meters needs replacing? 🤔
If we supply both your electricity and gas we’ll replace both of your meters, even if only one has passed its certification date. We will, where possible, replace your old meters with a smart meter.This is inline with rules set by Ofgem around meter replacement. The New and Replacement Obligation (NRO) requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to install smart meters for customers where possible.
For example if you are eligible for a Smart Meter we would only replace your expired meter with new Smart Meter. Smart meters come with benefits. They send us your meter readings automatically and show you your energy use, on an in-home display (IHD).
Do I have to pay to have my meters replaced? 🤑
No, It's completely free, there is no charge for having your meters replaced under the meter certification process.
Will my tariff or payment arrangement change if I have a smart meter? 🛑
There will be no changes to tariffs or payment types. Lets say if you're on pay as you go, you will remain on pay as you go. You would be able to top up online instead of using your payment key, saving you having to take a trip to your local shop to top up. The only thing that will change is your physical meter, old for new.
To summarise,
We will write to anyone who needs to have their meters changed, we are also calling customers to advise, below are the numbers being used. This should help people realise these calls are legit and from Eon Next
01443-544990 - This is the number that will show on your phone
01443544985 - This is the number that we put in Text Messages (SMS) for customers to call us back.
01443544984 - Will be in some email communications
I think it's really important in this day and age that our bills are accurate. That's the biggest thing for me, is knowing that my bills are correct month to month. I had read previously about health and safety and the meters aren't safe etc, I have mentioned this above however to reiterate the meters are safe, this is purely down to accuracy etc. We would really like to avoid catch up bills or you having to chase us for refunds. You should pay accurately for the energy you use in your home, no more, no less.
Feel free to tag away in the comments below, we will always get back to you.
Here are some useful links about the Meter Certification - The guidance on this is also below.Government Certification Guidance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric...-certification
Electricity Act 1989 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/29/contents
Electricity meter certification
Legally manufacture meters which are of the design originally approved and ensure they are verified to operate within the statutory limits.
Electricity Act 1989
An Act to provide for the appointment and functions of a Director General of Electricity Supply and of consumers’ committees for the electricity supply industry; to make new provision with respect to the supply of electricity through electric lines and the generation and transmission of electricity for such supply; to abolish the Electricity Consumers’ Council and the Consultative Councils established under the Electricity Act 1947; to provide for the vesting of the property, rights and liabilities of the Electricity Boards and the Electricity Council in companies nominated by the Secretary of State
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