You cannot change a gas meter yourself. This is a highly specialized task that must be carried out by a qualified and certified engineer appointed by your energy supplier.
The Role of Your Energy Supplier
Your energy supplier (such as EDF, British Gas, E.ON, or ScottishPower) is solely responsible for the installation, maintenance, and replacement of your gas meter. It has to be removed and swapped for a new one by a professional.
You will typically receive communication, often a letter or email, from your energy supplier. They will then arrange a time to come out to replace your old meter with a new one. This ensures the work is done safely, legally, and to national standards.
Reasons Your Gas Meter Might Be Replaced
Several factors can lead to your gas meter needing replacement:
Routine Replacement
Gas meters, like any piece of equipment, have a limited lifespan, usually around 10-20 years. To ensure accuracy and safety, energy suppliers are legally obligated to replace older meters. Even if your meter appears to be working fine, your supplier may contact you for a mandatory replacement when it reaches the end of its certified life.
Faulty or Damaged Meter
If you suspect your gas meter is faulty or damaged, you must contact your energy supplier immediately. Signs of a faulty meter can include:
- A strong smell of gas near the meter.
- Incorrect or erratic readings.
- A complete loss of gas supply without an obvious reason.
- Visible damage to the meter or its connections.
Smart Meter Upgrade
Many energy suppliers are actively upgrading older meters to smart meters. Smart meters offer several benefits:
- Accurate Billing: They send readings directly to your supplier, eliminating estimated bills.
- Energy Insights: You can monitor your energy usage in near real-time, helping you understand and manage your consumption.
- Efficiency: They contribute to a more efficient national energy grid.
What to Expect During a Gas Meter Change
When your energy supplier schedules a meter change, here's what typically happens:
Before the Appointment
- Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation of the appointment date and time.
- Access: Ensure the area around your gas meter is clear and easily accessible for the engineer.
- Presence: An adult (over 18) must be present at the property throughout the visit.
During the Appointment
- Identification: The engineer will present their official identification. Always verify this before allowing access.
- Safety First: For safety, the gas supply to your property will be temporarily turned off by the engineer.
- Replacement: The old meter will be carefully removed, and the new one will be installed in its place.
- Checks: The engineer will conduct thorough safety checks, including leak detection, to ensure the new meter is working correctly and safely.
- Relighting Appliances: They will then relight any gas appliances in your home (e.g., boiler, hob) and ensure they are functioning properly.
- Information: If a smart meter is installed, the engineer will explain how it works and demonstrate its features.
After the Appointment
- The engineer will record the final reading from your old meter and the initial reading from your new meter.
- Your energy supplier will update your account with the new meter details.
Is There a Cost Involved?
For routine replacements or smart meter upgrades, there is usually no direct charge to you from your energy supplier. These costs are typically covered as part of your overall energy bill. However, if the meter needs to be moved to a different location or replaced due to damage caused by negligence on your part, you might incur a charge.
Safety First: What Not to Do
Never attempt to tamper with, move, or change a gas meter yourself. This is extremely dangerous, highly illegal, and can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Gas Leaks: Causing a gas leak can lead to explosions or fires.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Improper installation can result in incomplete combustion and the production of deadly carbon monoxide.
- Legal Penalties: Tampering with a gas meter is a criminal offense.
- Voided Insurance: Your home insurance may be invalidated if an incident occurs due to unauthorized work.
Only engineers who are Gas Safe registered (or equivalent in your country) are legally permitted to work on gas meters and appliances.
Emergency Situations
If you ever smell gas in or around your property, act immediately:
- Open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
- If safe to do so, turn off your gas supply at the emergency control valve (usually located near the meter).
- Do NOT use any electrical switches, light a match, use a phone, or create any spark.
- Evacuate the premises, taking others with you.
- Once outside and at a safe distance, immediately call the National Gas Emergency Service (e.g., 0800 111 999 in the UK). Do not call your energy supplier for a gas emergency.
Quick Facts About Gas Meter Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Changes It? | Your energy supplier's qualified and certified engineer. |
| Cost | Usually free for routine replacements or smart meter upgrades. |
| Duration | Typically 1-2 hours. |
| Safety | Gas supply is temporarily turned off; extensive checks are performed. |
| DIY | Never attempt to change or tamper with a gas meter yourself. |
| Legality | Work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered (or equivalent) engineer. |
For more information, you can visit the websites of regulatory bodies like Ofgem (UK energy regulator) or safety organizations such as the Gas Safe Register.
