For businesses, understanding the intricacies of gas and electricity meters, including who is responsible for their maintenance and repair, is crucial. This knowledge not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also aids in efficient energy management and cost control.
Understanding your Gas Meter
Businesses may use various types of meters, including standard energy meters, prepayment meters, and smart meters. Each type has its unique features and maintenance requirements.
These are the most common types of meters and display your gas or electricity usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh):
1. Standard Meters: These are the most common types of meters and display your gas or electricity usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). They require manual reading, where someone – either from your business or the energy supplier – records the numbers displayed.
2. Prepayment Meters: These meters allow businesses to pay for energy before using it. You top up your meter using a token, key, or card, which can be charged with credit at designated outlets. Prepayment meters help in budgeting and controlling energy usage but may sometimes be more expensive than other types of meters.
For standard and prepayment meters, it’s important to understand how to accurately read the meter. This involves recording the numbers displayed on the meter’s screen. In smart meters, this process is automated.
3. Smart Meters: Smart meters are increasingly popular due to their ability to provide real-time data on energy consumption. They automatically send meter readings to your supplier, ensuring more accurate billing and eliminating the need for manual readings. Additionally, smart meters often come with a digital display that shows your energy usage in real time, which can be a powerful tool for managing and reducing consumption.
Who is responsible for your businesses Gas Meter?
In the United Kingdom, the responsibility for a business’s gas meter typically lies with a few key parties, primarily the energy supplier and the business owner or tenant, depending on specific circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of the responsibilities:
Energy Supplier – What are they responsible for?
- Maintenance and Repairs: The energy supplier is generally responsible for the maintenance and repair of gas meters. If your business’s gas meter is faulty or not working correctly, it’s the supplier’s obligation to address the issue. They should be contacted first in case of any faults or required repairs.
- Meter Readings and Accuracy: The supplier is also responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the meter. Regular meter readings, whether manual or automated via smart meters, are part of this responsibility.
- Replacing Faulty Meters: If the meter is found to be faulty, the supplier is typically responsible for replacing or repairing it. This is essential to ensure accurate billing and safety.
In case you are unaware of your supplier’s identity, you may locate them by clicking on this link or by giving them a call at 0870 608 1524. This number will cost you 7p per minute to call.
Your gas supply point’s unique identification is its Metre Point Reference Number (MPRN), in case you are unaware. You may find your MPRN by clicking this link if you don’t currently have a petrol metre or if you’re unsure about it. Or give 0870 608 1524 a call as an alternative. This number will cost you 7p per minute to call.
Business Owner/Tenant – What are your responsibilities?
- Reporting Issues: The business owner or tenant is responsible for reporting any issues with the gas meter to the energy supplier. This includes faults, errors, or concerns about meter accuracy.
- Access for Maintenance: Business owners must provide access to the gas meter for routine checks, maintenance, or emergency repairs. This access is crucial for the supplier to fulfill their responsibilities.
- Safety and Compliance: While the supplier handles the technical aspects of the meter, the business owner must ensure that the area around the meter is safe and accessible. This includes keeping the meter free from obstructions and ensuring compliance with any relevant safety regulations.
Landlord (In Rented Properties) – What is their responsibilities?
- Responsibility for the Meter: If the property is rented, the landlord might have specific responsibilities regarding the gas meter, especially if they are the named account holder with the energy supplier.
- Maintenance of the Meter Box: If the gas meter is housed within a meter box, the maintenance of the box itself (but not the meter) often falls to the landlord or property owner. This includes ensuring that the meter box is secure, accessible, and in good repair.
To get a property connected to a new supply
Connecting a business property to a new gas or electricity supply in the UK is a comprehensive process that involves several key stages. The process typically starts with initial planning and research to determine the specific energy needs of your business, such as the type of supply (gas, electricity, or both), the required capacity, and any unique requirements related to your business operations. This stage is crucial for laying the groundwork for what follows.
After determining your energy needs, the next step is to choose an energy supplier. This involves researching different suppliers to compare tariff rates, customer service ratings, and any additional services they offer. Selecting the right supplier is not only about finding competitive rates but also about ensuring reliable service that meets the specific needs of your business.
Once you have selected a supplier, the next important step is to engage with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for electricity connections or the Gas Distribution Network (GDN) for gas connections. These organizations are responsible for the physical infrastructure that delivers energy to your property. You will need to submit a request for a new connection, providing details about your property and energy requirements. The DNO or GDN will then issue a quote for the connection work, which typically includes the cost of installing new connections and any necessary infrastructure upgrades. Once you accept the quote, the DNO or GDN will schedule the work, which may involve laying new cables or pipes and installing meters.
Installation and metering are crucial parts of the process. Your energy supplier will arrange for the installation of a new meter at your property. It’s important to ensure that your site is prepared for the installation, which might include groundwork or making sure that the area where meters and cables or pipes will be installed is accessible.
Throughout this process, it’s important to ensure compliance with building regulations, particularly for new constructions or major renovations, and adhere to all relevant safety standards. This is crucial for the safety of the installation and the ongoing operation of your energy supply.
Once the installation is complete, the DNO/GDN and your supplier will perform final checks to ensure that everything has been set up correctly and safely. Your supplier will then activate the supply, and your business will start receiving gas or electricity. It’s advisable to provide an initial meter reading to your supplier to ensure that your billing starts accurately.
Moving your Gas Meter
Attempting to relocate your gas meter on your own is against the law. For any meter movement, it’s essential to involve your energy provider. Start by contacting your energy supplier and explaining your need to relocate the meter. Their ability to undertake this task depends on several factors:
- The current location of your meter.
- The intended new location and the distance involved.
- For gas meters, the type of connector used.
- The reasons behind the move.
Commonly accepted reasons for relocating a meter include issues with meter accessibility or readability, ongoing construction work, or if you are identified as a priority customer (such as being elderly, having a long-term illness, disability, or being on the supplier’s Priority Services Register).
The conditions, requirements, and potential costs for moving your meter vary depending on the distance:
- Moving less than 15cm: If the meter is inside your property, has sufficient room on the backboard, and the meter tails are adequately long without necessitating changes to your electricity supply, the process is usually straightforward. You’ll need your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), found on your bill, and this service is typically free.
- Moving up to 90cm: For relocations within your property up to 90cm, you’ll need to provide detailed information, including the full address, property owner’s contact details, and the MPRN. This service incurs a cost.
- Moving less than 3 meters: This process can take up to 10 days from the initial visit by your energy provider for confirmation. You may also require additional work by your local distribution company. This involves fitting a new backboard and hiring a qualified electrician to extend the meter tails. This service is not free.
- Moving more than 3 meters: For significant relocations over 3m, or to a different wall or room, your local distribution company must first relocate your mains supply. Afterward, your energy provider can move the meter. You’ll need your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for this, and the service is chargeable.
Your MPAN and MPRN are unique identifiers for your electricity and gas supplies, respectively, and are typically listed on your energy bill.
Remember, only your current supplier can relocate your meter. If you prefer a different supplier to handle the task, you’ll need to switch your supply to them first. Be mindful that this could alter your gas and electricity rates, so it’s prudent to evaluate the overall cost-effectiveness before making a switch.
In instances where your energy supplier is unable to relocate your meter, you should reach out to your local electricity distributor and gas transporter. Additional work, such as preparatory excavation, installing a meter box, or reconnecting your supply internally, will require a registered electrician or gas engineer.
If your Gas Meter is Faulty
If you suspect that your gas meter is faulty, it’s important to take prompt and appropriate action. A faulty meter can lead to inaccurate gas billing and, in some cases, may pose safety concerns. Here’s what you should do:
- Identify the Signs of a Faulty Meter: Common indicators that your gas meter might be faulty include unexpected changes in your gas bill, the meter not recording usage despite gas being consumed, or an error message displayed on the meter.
- Record the Meter Reading: Note down the current reading on your meter, along with any error messages displayed. This information will be useful when reporting the issue to your energy supplier.
- Contact Your Energy Supplier: Report the suspected fault to your energy supplier immediately. Provide them with the meter reading and any error messages. The supplier is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and maintenance of the gas meter.
- Arrange for an Inspection: Your energy supplier will usually arrange for an inspection of the meter to determine if there is a fault. In some cases, they may be able to troubleshoot the issue remotely, especially if you have a smart meter.
- Meter Testing: If the supplier suspects the meter is faulty, they may conduct a meter accuracy test. The test will determine if the meter is over or under-recording gas usage.
How can CNG help?
Here at CNG, we believe that getting the right energy supply for your business is vital. Contact us and we can help you sort the best gas meter for you.