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myCost to Move Electric Meter and Gas Meter
At a glance
- The average cost to relocate an electric and gas meter is around £1,000
- The job will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
- A breakdown of how much it costs to move a gas and electric meter.
- Why you might need to relocate a meter.
- What tradespeople you need to hire.
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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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Table of Contents
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 – £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.
In some instances if you are only wishing to move the meter a short distance, such as a one metre or less, you can request this by contacting your energy supplier directly. 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. You will need to hire a trained and experienced electrician or gas safe registered engineer to safely move your meters for you.
Your gas and electric supplier will be able to move your meters if they are moving less than 1 metre away, but if you wish to move them further than 1 metre, you will need to contact your electricity distributor and gas transporter to sort out the new pipework.
MyJobQuote will compare hundreds of trusted tradespeople, giving you up to 3 quotes from professionals in your local area.
They will have the experience and knowledge to save on the cost of moving a gas and electric meters as well as saving you valuable time.
We are going to have our existing garage demolished to make way for a 2 story extension, however the incoming gas and electricity supplies and meters are in the garage and need to be relocated. I'm looking for ideas as to how I can reduce the length of the new gas supply if at all possible.
"You need to confirm with your builder that the existing gas supply will not be underneath the new extension as this is not allowed and only the gas carrier can make alterations to the incoming supply."
Moving an Electricity or Gas Meter Prices
While moving either of your electricity or gas meter may physically only take no more than 1-2 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–£120.
| Job Description | Duration Lead Time | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electric meter relocation | 2–4 weeks | £300 – £600 |
| Gas meter relocation | 3–6 weeks | £400 – £1,000 |
| Gas and electric meter relocation (combined) | 4–6 weeks | £400 – £1,000 |
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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 metre may be in the way of construction. Relocating the metre ensures it remains accessible and compliant with regulations.
- Accessibility Issues. Sometimes metres are installed in hard to reach locations such as behind fences, in cupboards or in outbuildings. Moving the metre can make it easier to read and maintain.
- Safety Concerns. Metres 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, smart meter or updating electrical systems, moving the metre 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 you’re moving your gas and electric meters more than a metre away, you will need to get your electricity distributor and gas supplier to sort out the supply pipe outside.
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 work can be anywhere from £150-£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). When moving a gas meter, a gas engineer daily rates often start from £200.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Moving a 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.
Only licensed contractors and your energy supplier are legally allowed to relocate a gas or electricity meter.
After the meters have been moved, ensure carbon monoxide alarms are installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and near gas meters and heating systems. 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 you are only moving them less than a metre, then only your current energy supplier will be able to move it.
- If you’re moving your gas and electric meters more than a metre away, you will need to get your electricity distributor and gas engineer to sort out the local electricity supply or gas pipes outside of your property.
- Coordinate with your local builder or tradesperson if the meter move is part of a construction or home improvement project.
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FAQs
Can you move a gas and electric meter yourself?
No. It is illegal and unsafe to move a gas and electric meter yourself. Only your energy supplier or a qualified professional can do this.
Is it safe to move my gas and electric meter?
Yes, it’s safe to move your gas and electric meters as long as it is moved by your energy supplier who should be a highly trained electrician. You should always have carbon monoxide alarms near any gas meters or heating systems in your home.
Can I get my electricity or gas meter moved for free?
In some circumstances, you may be exempt from paying for your meter to be moved. These include individuals with long-term illnesses, people with a disability, those of pensionable age, and anyone on the Priority Services Register, all of whom may be eligible depending on the supplier and individual circumstances.
What tradespeople do I need to hire to move a gas or electricity meter?
The actual meter will be moved by your gas or electricity supplier. But you may need a gas safe engineer, electricians and plasterers to support the meter relocation work.
Do I need any planning permission when moving a gas meter or electricity meter?
In most cases moving a gas meter, electricity meter or smart meter doesn't require any planning permission. However, if in doubt contact your gas network operator or a registered electrician to ensure work is carried out in line with UK regulations.
Can I relocate a smart meter?
Whether your smart meter is in relation to your gas meter or moving your electricity meter, the same rules apply and you will need to ensure a registered electrician or gas engineer carry out the work. You can, however, manually move the separate in-house display providing the signal remains within reach of your meter box.
