Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to require energy companies and property management companies to ensure that tenants have easy access to their energy meters.

Under Schedule 7 of the Electricity Act 1989, the supplier shall determine the position of the meter within the customer’s premises, unless in all circumstances it is more reasonable to place it outside premises or in some other position. The position of a gas meter must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. This requires consumers to have access to the meter and emergency control valve for safety reasons. If a meter box is locked, the consumer must be provided with the corresponding key.

For prepayment meters, under the terms of their supply licence, suppliers must alter the position of the meter if it is not safe and reasonably practicable in all circumstances for the consumer to use it.