Cost to Move Electric Meter and Gas Meter

Want to find out how much it costs to move a gas and electricity meter?

This complete cost guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of moving a gas and electric meter, including labour fees and material prices.

The average cost to move gas and electricity meters is typically around £1,000.

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How Much Does It Cost to Move a Gas Meter or Electricity Meter?

The cost of moving gas and electric meters is usually around £400 to £1,000 (including labour) with many jobs reaching the higher end of this price range making £1,000 the average for the majority of cases. However, costs will vary depending on the complexity of the job and the new location of the meters, as straightforward moves can potentially cost significantly less.

For a small meter move that does not involve relocating the incoming cable or gas pipe, your energy supplier can usually arrange the work. Check with them first, as they may set limits on how far the meter can be moved. This will often be charged at a fixed cost of around £80 to £120 (on the assumption there are no obstructions or additional rewiring needed).

Moving your gas and electric meters isn't something that everyone will have to do, but if you're struggling to read your meters or you're having any building work done, then your gas and electric meters will need to be relocated by a professional.

You cannot move a gas or electric meter yourself as it is illegal. Your energy supplier will usually arrange the meter move through its appointed meter operator. If the incoming cable or gas pipe also needs to be relocated, your electricity network operator or gas transporter carries out that part of the work.

An electrician or gas engineer may also be needed for related work inside the property, such as reconnecting the supply or fitting a new meter box.

Your supplier can handle the move as long as the incoming cable and service pipe do not need to be relocated. If they need altering, your electricity network operator and gas transporter deal with that first, and then the supplier reconnects the meter.

Moving an Electricity or Gas Meter Prices

While moving either your electricity or gas meter may physically only take no more than 1 to 2 days, the whole beginning to end process is much longer. As such, you should allow additional lead time for any necessary inspections to take place, along with arranging a time and date for the work to be carried out.

Below we take a look at the costs involved, where you can see moving an electricity meter is often the cheaper option as the process is usually more straightforward than gas. Please also note that in addition to the prices quoted, short-distance relocations that are handled directly with your energy supplier can potentially cost as little as £80 to £120.

Things to Consider When Moving a Gas and Electric Meter

There are a few things to consider when you need to move your electricity or gas meter.

The reason for the move is the first consideration, and there are several reasons why you may need to relocate the meter.

• Home Renovations or Extensions — If you are building an extension, demolishing a garage, or rearranging walls, your existing meter may be in the way of construction. Relocating the meter ensures it remains accessible and compliant with regulations.
• Accessibility Issues — Sometimes meters are installed in hard-to-reach locations such as behind fences, in cupboards or in outbuildings. Moving the meter can make it easier to read and maintain.
• Safety Concerns — Meters placed near water, heating systems or areas prone to flooding may pose risks. Relocating them to a safer place can prevent hazards.
• Upgrading or Modernising Property — If you're installing new appliances, a smart meter or updating electrical systems, moving the meter may be necessary to accommodate new wiring or meet modern safety standards.
• Energy Supplier Requirements — In some cases, your energy supplier may request a meter relocation to improve service access or to comply with regulatory standards.

If you'd like another supplier to move your meters, you will have to fully switch to that company. You will need to factor in the price of the new supplier and consider this when weighing up the cost of moving a gas and electric meter.

If the move means the incoming supply has to be altered, your electricity network operator and gas transporter handle the cable and pipe outside before the meter itself is moved.

It's important you get a quote from them for the work they have to do. Once they have done their part, your gas and electric supplier will arrange for the meter to be moved.

You will also have to consider the cost of fitting a meter box, reconnecting your gas meter and electric meters and preparatory digging for big jobs.

On average, an electrician's daily rate for moving a meter box can be anywhere from £150 to £300 per day for their labour fee, and can depend on their experience and your location (for example London and the South East are generally higher than the national average). If any gas work is required, a gas engineer will charge separately with day rates typically starting from around £200.

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Legal and Safety Considerations

Moving an electricity or gas meter is highly regulated for safety reasons. Attempting to move a meter yourself is not only illegal, as already mentioned, but it can put you and your household at serious risk.

Your energy supplier is responsible for moving the meter and will arrange for its appointed meter operator to carry out the work. Where the incoming cable or service pipe has to be altered, that work falls to your electricity network operator or gas transporter.

Once the work is done, fit a carbon monoxide alarm in the room with the fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler that runs your heating systems or a gas fire, siting it 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and to the manufacturer's instructions. Confirm with the contractor that all work complies with regulations and any legal requirements.

Moving Gas and Electric Meter Checklist

• Contact your energy supplier to move the gas and electricity meter.
• If the incoming cable and pipe can stay where they are, your current energy supplier can carry out the move.
• If the external supply needs to be moved, the electricity network operator or gas transporter will need to deal with the cable or pipe before the meter can be relocated.
• Coordinate with your local builder or tradesperson if the meter move is part of a construction or home improvement project.

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