§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to remove the right of electricity boards to enter consumers' homes for the purpose of reading their meters without their prior consent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladNo. Electricity boards must have the right to inspect meters at reasonable intervals to ensure that estimated readings are in line with actual consumption and that the equipment is in good condition. Boards exercise their right of entry for this purpose as infrequently as possible. In all cases of entry, boards are required to apply for a warrant of entry from a justice of the peace who needs to be satisfied that the application is justified.