COVID-19 restrictions of electrical companies attending non emergency meter repairs: FOI release

Information requested

1. Is there a formal direction to suppliers of electricity to domestic premises not to attend non emergency meter repairs to addresses within Scotland starting with TD postcodes?

2. If there is a direction as said in question 1, does that direction apply to post codes within England with post codes starting with TD?

3. If you are directing as per questions 1 and 2, supplier not to attend postcodes beginnig with TD within England, please confirm the legal authority you are reyling upon to do this, to a location outside of Scotland Jurisdiction?

Response

Scottish Government guidance under current tier 4 restrictions advises that “work in other people’s homes must only be carried out in line with the regulations. These limit the work or provision of services for the purpose of the upkeep, maintenance or functioning of the home to only situations where that work is essential.”

In regards to utilities such as energy, home visits can only occur in the following circumstances: “for the purpose of safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations (where those cannot be delayed or there is a risk to continuity of supply)”.

As of 17/03/2020, these restrictions are in place throughout the entirety of Scotland but do not apply to any areas outside Scotland within Great Britain. Guidance for these areas is reserved to the UK Government.

Please see below for the relevant Scottish Government guidance on this matter.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): general guidance for safer workplaces - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.