§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) how many (a) new and (b) reconditioned prepayment meters were installed in 1973, 1974 and 1975 for electricity consumers and gas consumers, respectively;
(2) what was the average waiting time experienced: (a) by electricity consumers and (b) by gas consumers between their request for prepayment meters and the installation of the same in 1973, 1974 and 1975;
(3) how many requests for fitting prepayment meters were received by electricity boards and gas boards in 1973, 1974 and 1975.
§ Mr. OakesThis information is not readily available and I am asking the Chairmen of British Gas and the Electricity Council to see whether they can provide it.
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§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the life of: (a) a new prepayment meter and (b) a reconditioned meter;
(2) what information he has on the relative efficiency of reconditioned and new prepayment meters for gas and electricity consumers; and what is the relative life of each.
§ Mr. OakesIn the case of gas, every prepayment meter is examined and stamped by appointed examiners before it is put into service, whether as new or reconditioned, and there is no difference in the efficiency required. No certified period of use is stipulated, because the actual life of an individual prepayment meter depends upon the conditions under which it is used.
In the case of electricity, all prepayment meters, whether new or reconditioned, have to fulfil the same requirements of accuracy of registration and operation and have to be certified by a meter examiner before being put into service; there is no difference in their efficiency. The maximum period after which prepayment meters must be reconditioned, tested and recertified is either 15 years or 10 years, depending upon the type, and this applies to both new and reconditioned meters, but the actual interval before recertification depends upon the conditions under which the meters are used.