Moving gas or electric meter

There are many reasons why you might want to move your meter to a different part of the house.

For example:

• you might be having building work or renovations
• your meter is in an awkward or hard-to-reach place
• you have a disability or health condition that makes it hard for you to read your meter

No, you can’t move it yourself.

Not only is it against the law, but it’s also very dangerous, as the gas or electricity supply must be safely disconnected first.

If you move it yourself, you could be putting yourself at serious risk.

And you could also be fined or face legal action.

The only people allowed to move a meter are:

• your energy supplier, who manages your account and bills
• your network operator, who manages the physical infrastructure like cables and meters
• a registered gas engineer or qualified electrician

And if you live in rented accommodation, you might need to ask for permission from your landlord first.

Who does the work depends on how far you want it moved.

Contact your energy supplier if you want to: 

• move your gas meter by about 1m
• move your electricity meter up to 3m

But your energy supplier might not be able to do this if you want to move your meter by a bigger distance, perhaps to a different wall or room.

In that case, contact your local electricity or gas network operator.

You can find your local electricity or gas network operator through the Energy Networks Association.

A registered professional might also be able to help you.

The cost of moving a gas or electric meter depends on:

• who does the work
• how far you want the meter moved
• if any extra work, such as digging or rewiring, is needed

A small move carried out by your supplier might be carried out for free, but if there’s a charge, you can expect it to be around £100 to £200.

If your meter is being moved a larger distance by your network operator, you can expect it to cost from around £400 to £1,000.

With that in mind, it’s worth getting a quote before you agree to anything.

And if you’re thinking of switching to a new energy supplier, find out how much they charge for moving a meter - if it’s less, it could be worth waiting until the switch has been completed.

Your supplier might move your meter free of charge if you’re classed as a vulnerable customer.

You may qualify if you’re:

• over state pension age
• disabled
• living with a long-term health condition

If you're vulnerable, you can sign up to the priority services register for free.

This entitles you to extra help from your energy supplier.

Contact your energy supplier

Ask if they can move your gas or electric meter.

They’ll ask you for information such as: 

• where the meter is now
• where you want it moved to
• how far you want to move it
• why you want it moved

They can then:

• tell you if they can do the work
• let you know what it will cost
• ask you when you’d like the work carried out

Appointments will typically be during normal working hours (9am-5pm) on Mondays to Fridays.

What if the supplier can’t do the move?

If your supplier says they can’t move your meter, you’ll have to contact your local network operator instead.

They might ask you for a special number:

• an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) - for electricity
• an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) - for gas

You can find these numbers on your energy bill, usually in a section called “your supply number” or something similar.

It might also be displayed on the meter itself (though the bill is more reliable)

Your network operator needs this information so they know exactly where your meter is and what property it's connected to.

Next, you can get quotes for the network work and any extra labour that might be involved, such as digging or wiring.

What if the supplier misses the appointment?

Your supplier must pay £40 compensation if they:

• miss the appointment
• change the time without telling you at least one working day in advance
• send an unqualified person to do the work

If they don’t pay within 10 working days, you’ll get another £40.

Does it matter if I have a smart meter?

No. Smart meters can be moved like any other meter.

They may look more modern, but they still connect to the same pipes or wires.

So if you're getting one installed soon, ask the engineer if it can go somewhere more convenient and accessible.

If you find it hard to reach your meter, it could be worth asking your supplier if you can have a smart meter fitted.

This sends readings to your supplier automatically, so you don’t have to worry about checking it yourself.

Having a smart meter installed doesn’t cost you anything.

And if you’re on a pay as you go deal, you can get a meter in prepayment mode.