Gas Meter Change in the UK: How the Process Works, Who Pays, and Smart Meter Rules
Whether your meter is being changed as part of the national smart meter rollout or because of a fault or planned upgrade, understanding the process helps landlords and homeowners prepare. This guide covers how a meter change works, who is responsible for costs, Gas Safe requirements for disconnection, and what tenants need to know.
Who Owns the Gas Meter
The gas meter is the property of the gas transporter (the network operator, such as National Gas Transmission or a regional distribution network) or, in some cases, a meter asset manager acting on behalf of the transporter. The meter is not owned by the consumer or the landlord — it is installed on their premises under a deemed or formal agreement with the transporter.
The gas supply pipe between the street main and the meter (the service pipe) is the responsibility of the gas transporter. The pipework from the meter outlet into the property (the consumer's pipework) is the responsibility of the property owner.
Why Meters Are Changed
Gas meters are changed for several reasons:
- Smart meter rollout: The UK Government has mandated that energy suppliers offer smart meters to all domestic customers. Smart meters transmit consumption data automatically, eliminating estimated bills and providing half-hourly usage data. The rollout is ongoing and suppliers contact customers to arrange installation.
- Meter at end of certification life: Gas meters are certified for a specific period (typically 10–20 years depending on type). As certification expires, the transporter or supplier arranges a replacement.
- Fault or damage: A faulty meter suspected of incorrect readings, or a meter that has been damaged, is replaced by the supplier.
- Change of meter location or upgrade: When a property is renovated, meter boxes repositioned, or a higher-capacity meter is required for additional gas appliances.
The Smart Meter Installation Process
For a smart meter installation arranged by the energy supplier, the process is:
- The supplier contacts the customer (or in rented property, typically the bill-payer — usually the tenant) to arrange an appointment.
- An engineer from the supplier or a meter operator appointed by the supplier visits the property. They must be Gas Safe registered.
- The engineer turns off the gas supply at the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) — the lever valve adjacent to the meter.
- The old meter is disconnected and removed. The new smart meter is connected.
- The engineer tests for gas tightness at the meter connections.
- The gas is restored and the engineer checks that all appliances relight correctly before leaving.
- If the property has a SMETS2 (second-generation smart meter), it will communicate via the DCC (Data Communications Company) network. It retains smart functionality even if the customer switches supplier.
The installation takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on meter accessibility and whether the engineer encounters any complications. Gas appliances (boiler, hob, oven) must be accessible for the final check — an engineer cannot complete the installation if they cannot verify all appliances relight safely.
Who Pays for a Meter Change
For the standard smart meter rollout, the installation is free to the consumer — the cost is recovered through network charges included in all consumers' bills.
For a meter change due to end of certification life, the cost is also borne by the transporter or supplier, not the consumer.
If a landlord requests a meter relocation as part of building works — moving the meter from inside the property to an external meter box, for example — this is a chargeable service. National Gas or the relevant regional network operator handles the external pipework and the new meter installation. Costs vary but typically run from £400 to over £1,000 depending on the work required. The landlord is responsible for the internal pipework modifications.
Gas Safe Requirements for Disconnection and Reconnection
Any work on a gas meter that involves disconnecting or reconnecting gas pipework must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes:
- Disconnecting the meter from the supply pipework during a meter change
- Reconnecting the meter and testing for tightness
- Turning on the gas supply and relighting pilot lights and appliances
A homeowner or landlord cannot carry out these operations themselves, regardless of competence. Attempting to disconnect a gas meter without Gas Safe registration is illegal under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and carries significant liability.
After a meter change, if any appliance does not relight, the Gas Safe engineer should not leave the property with the gas on until the reason is identified. If an appliance fault is found, the engineer may isolate that appliance and leave the rest of the system in service, with a warning notice on the appliance.
Landlord Considerations for Smart Meter Installations in Rented Properties
Where gas bills are in the tenant's name, the tenant arranges the smart meter installation with their supplier. The landlord does not need to be involved unless meter access requires landlord permission or the meter is in a communal area.
Where the landlord pays gas bills (some HMOs or all-inclusive rentals), the landlord arranges the smart meter with their supplier in the usual way.
Landlords should ensure that meter boxes are accessible, not blocked by stored items, and that the Emergency Control Valve is clearly visible and operable. An ECV that cannot be operated in an emergency is a gas safety issue.