How many attempts should it take to change you meter (rant)

[canuckamuck]

Quite a long time ago, perhaps two years ago, I decided it would be wise to change our meter from a 5 to 15 amp version.

Sounds simple right?

So at first we began to make inquiries to the PEA about how this is done. We got the run around, people didn't have the answer but wouldn't say so. So we went in person and talked to them. They said we couldn't do it because the meter was in my wife's dad's name. They said he had to come. Well he couldn't be bothered so we tried again a different day and got a different answer.They told us we had to make sure all the wiring in the house was three wire with an earth rod. Well this took a little time, because Although the downstairs was all new wiring (grounded with a ELCB) the upstairs was old school.

When i got time I got it all fixed up. Several months have passed now. So we go back to PEA and say we need  a new meter. They say they will come and look. Several months/calls later they finally send someone.

He says we have to change the external wires from the pole. So I buy some 25mm and hire a friend to help me run the wire in the same place the old wires currently were. It was along one building and through the attic space of another building and into mine (I skipped doing an underground portion because I knew that was against their rules). The old wires remained in place because we need the electricity.

Months pass and another guy is finally convinced to come and hook up the meter. He drops by and says I cannot run the wire through the other building. So we decide to install another power pole and run the wire to our house from there. I get another friend to help me change the wires over.

We phone PEA many times to come hook up the new meter. After a long time they tell us they will do it if we give them 4000 baht up front at the office. The next week I go to the office and they tell me I cannot pay now as it is after 3:00. They say I can pay them the next day when they come up to hook up the meter.

Weeks pass and nothing happens. We phone again and they have me come and pay them 4000 baht. This time they take the money. 6 more weeks pass, no one comes. My wife phones again and someone comes right away. I was not there this time and did not know about it, but my wife mentions in passing one day that they had already hooked up the new meter. At this point I was happy that it was all over.

About a week later I notice that the lights in the house still dip when the water heater kicks in, although less than before. I asked my wife if she saw them hook up the meter, she said she hadn't watched.

I went over to the pole and discovered that had completely ignored the new wires and simply hooked up the old ones (the 16mm ones that went underground and through a building)  to the new meter. They never checked the in house wiring and everything they did was against all of their information to me about how it had to be done; and what I had gone to some expense to correct.

So now I have an illegal and dangerous connection even after being very patient and cooperative and following the rules.

Amazing

[bankruatsteve]

Sounds like the PEA where you live doesn't want to up the amps to your area.  It doesn't matter what size meter you have if the supply "browns out" when you turn things on.  Considering the money you have paid, complaining might help.  Otherwise... TIT

[Nuitum]

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