How to Move a Gas Meter: Cost, Process, & Options

22 Oct 2024

Moving a gas meter in the UK can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as renovation projects, building extensions, or improving access to the meter. This process involves careful planning and coordination with licensed professionals to ensure compliance with gas safety regulations.

In this guide, we will walk you through the key considerations, costs, and options available when moving a gas meter in the UK.

The Process of Moving a Gas Meter

Speak with your Gas Supplier or the relevant Network Provider
Give the detailed specifications of the Gas Meter Move - Mistakes here add costs when discovered later in your project

Speak with a Certified Gas Safe Heating Engineer or Gas Plumber
Give the detailed specifications of the Gas Meter Move - again, mistakes here add costs when discovered later in your project

Quotation for works from Provider
Their price will be based on your specifications or site survey if one is completed

Quotation for works from Plumber
Their price will be based on your specifications or site survey if one is completed

Works arranged with Plumber
Your involvement may be required for dates, times and access

Works arranged by Provider
Your involvement may be required for dates, times and access

Works completed by Plumber
Your involvement may be required for access and to answer any questions from the Plumber about your specification

Works completed by Provider
Your involvement may be required for access and to answer any questions from the site workers about your specification

Engineer reconnects your meter
Your involvement may be required for access and to answer any questions from the engineer about your specification

Testing to ensure there are no leaks or safety issues
You should be sent all relevant certification for the work

We manage all aspects of the process, ensuring that

• Your specification is watertight
• Certified Gas Safe Engineer arranged
• Your quote includes exactly what you need
• Your quote has no unnecessary extras
• Information is shared with site workers
• Access is coordinated for any site visits
• Relevant certification is delivered promptly

Start now

To manage the project yourself

1. Initial Contact

Contact your gas supplier if the move is small, or your gas network provider for larger relocations. They will assess your needs and determine whether the move can be handled by your supplier or requires the involvement of the gas network provider.

You will also need to make contact with a Gas Safe Heating Engineer or Gas Plumber at this point.

When using our services, we handle all the applications and our list of Certified Tradespeople all carry the neccessary accreditations.

2.Survey and Quotation

For larger moves, the gas network provider will usually conduct a survey to assess the complexity of the move and provide a quotation for the work.

Using our experience and expertees, we will ensure that design and quotation will be accurate for your project's specific needs.

3.Arranging the Work

Once the quote is accepted, the provider will arrange a date to carry out the work. Depending on the complexity, the gas supply may need to be temporarily disconnected during the move.

Our services ensure your site is fully prepared to receive the provider on the scheduled delivery date. We coordinate with all parties involved to prevent costly delays caused by errors to help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary costs.

4.Meter Reconnection

After the gas supply pipes have been moved, your gas supplier will send an engineer to reconnect the meter at its new location. This ensures the meter is correctly positioned and meets safety standards.

Part of our service is to make sure connection is correctly and safely reinstated.

5.Testing and Certification

The new installation will be tested to ensure there are no leaks or safety issues. You will receive certification that the work complies with gas safety regulations.

We work through to completion of your Gas Meter Move to make sure all necessary documentation is completed and signed off as part of our end-to-end process.

Who Can Move a Gas Meter?

We can manage all aspects of your Gas Meter Relocation, saving you time & money when using our Utilities Project Management Services.

In the UK, the responsibility for moving a gas meter depends on how far the meter needs to be relocated:

Small Moves (Less than 1 metre)

If the meter is being moved a short distance (typically less than 1 metre) within the same area, you can contact your gas supplier. They will arrange for the meter to be moved by a qualified engineer.

Larger Moves (Over 1 metre or to an external wall)

For larger moves, especially those that require altering the gas pipes or relocating the meter to a different area of the property, you will need to contact your gas network provider (e.g., Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, Wales & West Utilities).

These providers handle moving the supply pipes, which is a regulated and more complex process.

Cost of Moving a Gas Meter

The cost of moving a gas meter in the UK can vary significantly based on the complexity of the move:

Short moves (up to 1 metre)

These can be relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from £100 to £400 if handled by your gas supplier.

Larger moves (over 1 metre)

If the gas meter needs to be moved to a new location, especially to an external wall, costs can range from £400 to £1,000 or more, depending on how much work is required to reroute the gas pipes and connect the new setup. Factors such as ground excavation, road closures, or changes in pipe infrastructure can significantly increase the cost.

Options for Moving a Gas Meter

Move Within the Same Room

For small moves where the gas meter is relocated within the same room or area, this can be handled relatively quickly and affordably by your gas supplier.

Move to Another Room or External Wall

Moving the meter to a completely different location (e.g., from inside the house to an external wall) requires more complex work involving your gas network provider. This is a common option for improving access and aesthetics.

Move to Outside Your Property

For meters currently inside, some property owners choose to have them moved outside the property to allow easy access for meter readings and maintenance. This is one of the more expensive options due to the need for excavation and pipe rerouting.

Additional Considerations

Planning Permission

In some cases, moving a meter to an external wall may require planning permission, especially if your property is listed or in a conservation area.

Timing

Moving a gas meter usually takes 4–6 weeks from the initial request to completion, though this can vary based on the network provider and local conditions.

Regulations

All work must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer, and safety regulations must be strictly adhered to throughout the process.

Why Move a Gas Meter?

There are several common reasons why homeowners or businesses might need to relocate a gas meter:

Renovations

Extending a property or altering the layout often necessitates moving the gas meter to an external or more accessible location.

Safety or Aesthetics

Relocating the meter can improve safety, particularly if the current position makes it difficult for engineers to access it for maintenance or reading.

External Access

Some customers prefer to have the meter outside, either for aesthetic reasons or to allow easy access for meter readings without entering the home.

Conclusion

Moving a gas meter in the UK is a process that requires coordination with your gas supplier or gas network provider. Whether it’s a small shift or a major relocation, understanding the costs and procedures ahead of time can help you plan effectively and ensure a smooth, safe transition for your gas meter. Always ensure that the work is carried out by qualified professionals to meet all safety standards.

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