Moving into a new home without gas or electric metres installed? Most people assume it’s a simple flip-of-the-switch situation—they’re wrong. The reality involves mandatory paperwork, ID verification, supplier registration, and scheduled installation appointments. Skip even one step, and you’re stuck without utilities. This guide walks you through the exact process you need to follow to get connected.
How Much Does a New Gas or Electric Metre Cost?
Getting a new gas or electric metre fitted isn’t exactly cheap. A new gas connection to mains supply, including metre installation, runs around £1,500. Electric metre relocations? You’re looking at £300 to £600. Gas metre relocations hit between £400 and £1,000. Most cases land at the higher end. Fun times for your wallet.
Here’s the thing. Costs depend on distance from mains supply, obstacles in the way, and your location. Southeast areas tend to charge more. Shocking, right? Simple connections within 23m of mains cost around £400, but complex connections over 23m can reach approximately £1,250 for pipework alone.
Before committing, do your supplier comparisons. Prices vary. A lot. And don’t forget to ask about installation warranties. You’ll want protection if something goes wrong. Combined gas and electric relocations average around £1,000. Sometimes bundling saves cash. Short-distance moves of less than one metre handled directly by your supplier can be significantly cheaper at £80–120. Working with a partner that offers energy procurement guidance ensures you’re securing the most competitive rates for your new connections. Omnium’s comprehensive approach to utility management can also support businesses in optimising costs across multiple site connections.
Documents and Details Required for Your Meter Application
Before you pick up the phone to apply for your metre, here’s the annoying truth. Every supplier and network operator wants different things. Seriously. There’s no universal checklist that works across the board.
No universal checklist exists for metre applications—every supplier wants something different.
That said, you’ll likely need identity documents to prove you’re actually you. Proof of address matters too. Own the property? Renting? They’ll want to know.
Site plans often come up, especially for new builds or commercial properties. The network needs to grasp your setup before sending anyone out. Conducting an energy audit of your property can help identify your specific requirements and consumption patterns before submission. A thorough compliance audit preparation will also reveal any regulatory gaps in your current setup.
Here’s the frustrating part. We couldn’t find a definitive list that applies everywhere. Your best move? Contact your chosen supplier directly. Or reach out to National Grid. They’ll tell you exactly what paperwork they’re after. You can also have a CORGI-registered engineer inspect your property to determine your maximum gas requirement, which suppliers often need to know.
How to Register for a New Metre Connection
Once you’ve picked your energy supplier, they’ll set up a fresh account in their system and assign you a dedicated Energy Specialist. This person’s your single point of contact. No bouncing between departments. No explaining your situation five times.
Registration happens after you’ve locked in your contract terms and pricing. The whole process typically wraps up within a few working days. Your specialist will guide you through online portals to submit everything. You can start by calling 0808 501 5807 or completing the online form to begin.
Here’s what gets verified during registration:
- Your MPAN and MPRN numbers are accurate
- Meter location photos check out
- Estimated consumption data looks reasonable
- Payment arrangements are confirmed
Once registration’s accepted, you’re cleared to book installation. Our supplier-neutral shortlists ensure you’ve selected from the best options available. Customer testimonials consistently highlight how this optimised approach handles both gas and electric simultaneously. Throughout this process, real-time monitoring tools can be implemented to track your energy consumption from day one. One account. One specialist. Done.
How Long Does New Metre Installation Take?
Registration’s done. Now comes the waiting game.
Here’s the deal with installation variability. Electricity metres typically take up to 15 working days. Gas metres? Between 5-10 working days, though larger capacity requirements can stretch that timeline. Want both installed together? Block out about 2 hours total.
Weather impacts matter too. Nobody’s scheduling metre work during a snowstorm. Just reality.
The actual on-site installation runs quick. We’re talking 1-2 hours, tops. Your power gets cut for roughly 30 minutes per metre. Not fun, but survivable.
Some suppliers offer expedited service. “Power in 5” gets electricity flowing within five working days from contract agreement. Costs extra, obviously. Modern smart metre installation also enables real-time energy data capture for better consumption visibility.
Your dedicated account manager keeps you posted throughout. Because waiting in the dark—literally—shouldn’t mean being left in the dark figuratively. Once your metres are installed, advanced monitoring systems can track your energy usage in real-time to identify inefficiencies and help reduce costs.
How to Prepare Your Property for Metre Installation
Before the technician shows up, you’ll want to make sure they can actually reach your metres without climbing over your collection of garden gnomes or dodging obstacles.
Lock up your pets—Fluffy might be friendly, but installers don’t need a “helper” during the job.
And seriously, have your keys ready for any locked gates or metre cabinets, because nothing wastes everyone’s time like a scavenger hunt.
Proper metre installation also supports real-time energy monitoring capabilities that allow you to track your consumption patterns from day one. Proper metre installation also supports your documented procedures for regulatory compliance, ensuring your property meets energy management standards from the outset.
Clear Access to Metres
When you’re preparing your property for a metre installation, clearing the space isn’t optional—it’s required. You’ll need to maintain a metre easement that keeps everything accessible. No exceptions. Visual signage can help remind everyone—including future you—where not to stack stuff.
Here’s what you’re working with:
- Minimum 36 inches of clear space from the face of electric metre panels
- At least 3 feet in front of gas metres—no clutter allowed
- Vertical clearance up to 6 feet 6 inches, unobstructed
- Zero storage permitted in metre areas. None. Zip.
Look, we’ve all got junk we need to stash somewhere. But metre areas aren’t it. Technicians need access for readings and maintenance. Block that space, and you’re the problem. Keep it clear.
Secure Pets Before Arrival
Locking up your pets before the technician shows up isn’t just polite—it’s necessary. Your dog might be friendly. The meter installer doesn’t know that. And honestly? They shouldn’t have to find out.
Pet containment matters here. A lot. Technicians need clear sightlines and safe working conditions. They can’t do their job whilst dodging your overly enthusiastic golden retriever. Or your cat who thinks strangers are toys.
Here’s something people actually do: they tie their pets to the meter. Don’t be that person. It blocks access completely.
Know your arrival timing window. Use it. Put pets in a closed room, a crate, or the backyard—somewhere secure and away from the work area. It keeps everyone safe. Your pets included.
Have Keys Ready
Keys. They’re rather important here. Your technician needs actual access to metre locations, and standing outside a secured gate isn’t exactly productive. Before installation day, sort out your key handover situation. It’s that simple.
Here’s what you’ll want to handle:
- Confirm lock codes for any security gates or entry points
- Make sure all doors leading to metre areas are unlocked or accessible
- Coordinate key handover with your property manager if you’re renting
- Test that all locks actually work (because they sometimes don’t)
Look, technicians aren’t locksmiths. They’re there to install metres, not break into your property. If they can’t get in, they leave. Your installation gets delayed.
You’re back at square one. Nobody wants that hassle.
What Happens During Your Metre Installation
When your installer arrives, they’ll cut power to your existing metre and lock it out—safety first, obviously.
The old metre gets removed after they’ve labelled all the wires and checked that nobody’s been tampering with the protective seal.
Once the new metre’s wired up and mounted, they’ll test everything, make sure the display actually works, and slap on a fresh seal before snapping a photo to link your metre to your address.
Power Disconnection and Safety
Before anyone touches your metre, you’ve got homework. Power isolation isn’t optional—it’s the whole point. Your job? Make sure the installation spot is safe and accessible. No exceptions.
Safety signage matters here. The utility company will assess whether your metre needs protection from vehicles, weather, or just plain bad luck. They’re not being paranoid. It’s code.
Here’s what you’re responsible for:
- Providing a safe, accessible location for both gas and electric metres
- Calling the Diggers’ Hotline at 1-800-242-8511 before any excavation work
- Consulting with your building inspector about potentially dangerous spots
- Keeping the area clear of obstructions during installation
Look, we’re all in this together. Your neighbours did this. You can too. The process protects everyone—including the technicians who show up.
Old Metre Replacement Process
So you’ve cleared the area and done your safety prep—now what actually happens when the technician shows up?
First, they’ll do a quick visual check and voltage verification at the meter base. Then comes the surprisingly fast part. Your old meter gets unscrewed and disconnected—we’re talking 15 to 30 minutes, tops. Not exactly the all-day affair you might’ve expected.
The technician handles the removal carefully. Nobody wants damaged equipment or legacy troubleshooting headaches down the road. They’ll check that your meter socket jaws are in decent shape using a gap tool. This matters for regulatory compliance and, honestly, your safety.
Once the old meter’s out, wiring gets disconnected with precision. It’s methodical work. The whole process feels almost anticlimactic after all that prep. But that’s actually a good thing.
Testing and Display Setup
The old metre’s out, wiring’s disconnected, and now comes the part that actually determines whether this whole thing works.
Your technician runs through a series of checks. For electric metres, they’re testing voltage at source terminals and checking for back feed. For gas, it’s pressure tests and leak detection. Not exactly thrilling stuff, but skipping it would be stupid.
Here’s what they’re verifying:
- Proper voltage readings within acceptable range
- Zero back feed between source and load terminals
- Gas pressure stabilisation at correct levels
- Continuity on all connections
Once everything passes, display calibration happens. The technician configures your metre’s screen so you can actually read your usage. Data logging kicks in immediately, tracking every kilowatt and cubic foot.
Your metre gets sealed, information recorded, and you’re officially connected.
Smart Metres Explained: What Type Gets Installed?
Smart metres come in different flavours, and knowing which one’s getting bolted to your wall actually matters.
SMETS2 is the current standard. It’s what installers typically bring these days. Got a property pulling serious power? You’re looking at a 3-phase SMETS2 metre for those heavy loads. Metre compatibility becomes vital here—not every setup plays nice with every metre type.
Here’s the deal. These things talk to your energy supplier through WAN technology. No more estimated bills. No more metre reading anxiety.
Installation challenges pop up sometimes. Older wiring. Weird setups. The usual headaches. Some properties need Metre-Connector devices with built-in cellular tech when standard connections won’t cut it.
Digital displays show your kWh in real-time. You’ll actually see where your money’s going. Finally.
