Databank. AccuRead

Citation

(1999), "Databank. AccuRead", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 99 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.1999.01799daf.017

Databank. AccuRead

Databank

AccuRead

This is the name of the company that provides meter reading services for gas, electricity and water companies throughout Great Britain. Formed in October 1996, the company employs 1,900 staff to read meters in homes and in businesses. In total about 19 million meters are read either monthly, quarterly or half yearly. In all 40 million reads are made each year. The company is jointly owned by Group 4 and British Gas. There are perhaps 40 regional electricity companies, gas shippers and water companies and the customer base is larger than might at first be imagined.

AccuRead has taken an active role in supporting crime prevention initiatives throughout the country working in partnership with police forces and other community-focused organisations. The police, local authorities, charities and Citizens Advice Bureau were fully briefed to ensure that they are aware of the AccuRead identity. The company considers it vital that its staff have a particular duty of care towards those on whom it is calling and that they work in a professional and courteous manner. This is particularly important as more calls are being made during the early evening when consumers are more likely to be at home. Bills can then be made on actual meter readings rather than estimates.

All field-based staff wear distinctive green uniforms and many will drive liveried vehicles. In addition all carry ID cards which display the bearer’s photograph, expiry date and an identification number unique to the individual. The card also displays a free telephone number that can be used to confirm the meter reader’s identity. This is 0800 393499. AccuRead are alert to the very worrying problem of bogus callers and the distress that this can cause. If householders are in any doubt about the caller’s identity they should ask to see the ID card and check that the photograph resembles the person seeking access to their home or business. For additional security AccuRead operates a password scheme on behalf of utilities in which users of this service choose a word easily remembered by themselves which the meter reader quotes on each visit.

Computer systems handle the massive amount of data recorded by readers on portable handheld terminals. A variety of other services including special visits and meter maintenance is also carried out by the company.