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Thread ID: 66297	2006-02-17 22:56:00	Who's your electricity supplier?	Renmoo (66)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
431811	2006-02-20 19:50:00	Fine James, but why would you be asking for such a disconnection? All that happens when you switch suppliers is that from the arranged date, your bill comes from a different company. There is no physical effect on your connection to the Network. There is no disconnection or reconnection involved. Only a meter reading is required, to finalise the account with the old supplier and begin the account with the new supplier.	godfather (25)
431812	2006-02-20 22:29:00	James: To add to Godfather's explanation - There may be reasons for a supplier charging a fee for actual disconnection, as opposed to merely switching companies. When I arranged disconnection several years ago in an elderly rental property which was to be unoccupied for a while, the supplier insisted that a staff member had to visit in order to do that. That's although the mains switch was turned off & the meter had been read. I think it cost about $40 & the man was inside for barely a minute. Whether he did an actual task or merely checked that the mains switch was really off (in case old wiring caused a fire they might be blamed for), I've no idea. But I guess they were entitled to a callout fee for that - hence a disconnection charge that I couldn't argue about.	Laura (43)
431813	2006-02-20 23:04:00	Laura, to effect a "disconnection" in an approved manner, the service fuse (at the pole or pillar) must be removed. Turning the main switch off is NOT a disconnection. Line charges continue to be charged to the last Retailer for that site unless a full disconnection has been undertaken. Also the last Retailer that supplied the site is responsible for any power used in the future until another Retailer has taken over, so they usually want a prompt disconnection as well for vacant properties. Simply turning the main off means someone can move in and turn it back on again, with no contract in place for supply by a Retailer. Big financial risks can occur. In the old "Power Board" days, there was only one supplier so it was not so much of an issue. But none of that applies to switching Retailers James, in case you get confused.	godfather (25)
431814	2006-02-20 23:13:00	Thanks Godfather. So I understand why he had to come to the house to remove the fuse at the power pole. But inside? (They insisted I attend with a key to let him in. And it was since the old Power Boards.)	Laura (43)
431815	2006-02-20 23:47:00	Probably to ascertain the condition of the main switch (its best not to remove the pole fuse if there is a large load connected) but also to ascertain that the switchboard was safe I suspect, plus the only "identifier" of the site accurately may be the actual meter number. There is a real problem when reconnecting as its not wise to put the fuse in on an "unknown" installation. Unless its disconnected for 6 months or more, then it must pass an inspection before it gets relivened. Its a minefield.	godfather (25)
431816	2006-02-21 03:34:00	Fine James, but why would you be asking for such a disconnection? All that happens when you switch suppliers is that from the arranged date, your bill comes from a different company. There is no physical effect on your connection to the Network. There is no disconnection or reconnection involved. Only a meter reading is required, to finalise the account with the old supplier and begin the account with the new supplier. So, basically this means that physically, the disconnection - reconnection does not occur when I switch from one power company to another. My initial thought was that since I am moving across to another power company, so obviously disconnection and reconnection to the new one must have occured - with fees incur. I can't find anything on the cost of final reading under the Mercury Energy Terms & Conditions (www.mercury.co.nz) , yet. Thanks GF. Cheers :)	Renmoo (66)
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