Moving Your UK Energy Meter
For Tenants, Homeowners, and Landlords in the United Kingdom

This page provides official guidance on moving an electricity or gas energy meter within a domestic property in the United Kingdom. The information applies to tenants, homeowners, and landlords seeking to reposition meters for accessibility, renovation, or safety reasons.

All energy meters are governed by national regulations and safety standards. Moving a meter requires professional assessment and, in some cases, the involvement of both your energy supplier and your local network operator.

When You Might Need to Move a Meter

You may need to request a meter move if:

  • The meter is in an inaccessible or unsafe location
  • You are carrying out building or renovation works
  • The meter is in the way of new fittings (e.g. kitchen units or doorways)
  • You require easier access due to a disability or medical condition
  • You’re converting a property into multiple units or changing layout

Who Is Responsible for Moving a Meter

Responsibility depends on how far the meter is being moved:

Type of Move
Who to Contact

Small relocation (under 1 metre)
Your energy supplier

Larger relocation or external move
Your network operator (DNO or GT)

  • DNO: Distribution Network Operator for electricity
  • GT: Gas Transporter for gas

In some cases, both parties must coordinate—especially when altering the incoming supply cable or pipe.

Steps to Move an Energy Meter

Step 1: Contact Your Energy Supplier

  • Inform them of your intention to move the meter
  • They will assess whether they can move it or if the network operator must be involved

Step 2: Arrange a Site Visit or Quotation

  • A qualified engineer may inspect the current setup
  • You’ll receive a quote detailing cost, feasibility, and timescales

Step 3: Accept the Quote and Schedule the Work

  • Pay any applicable fees
  • Agree on an installation date

Step 4: Prepare the Site

  • Ensure clear access to the meter area
  • Provide trunking or boxing if the meter is being recessed or enclosed
  • For gas meters, maintain required ventilation standards

Step 5: Meter Move and Reconnection

  • Engineers relocate the meter and ensure safe reconnection
  • If necessary, your energy supplier will attend separately to reconnect service

Costs Involved

The cost to move a meter varies by provider and location:

Type of Move
Typical Cost Range

Electricity (small move)
£100–£200

Gas (internal minor move)
£150–£400

External or complex move
£500–£1,000+ (DNO/GT quote)

VAT may be added. Some vulnerable customers may qualify for free or discounted meter moves.

Accessibility and Priority Services

If your meter is difficult to reach due to age, disability, or medical condition, you may be eligible for a free meter move through the Priority Services Register (PSR).

To qualify:

  • Register with your energy supplier for the PSR
  • Provide evidence of accessibility needs

Suppliers have a regulatory obligation to offer reasonable adjustments.

  • You must not move a meter yourself—this is illegal and highly dangerous
  • Only qualified engineers accredited under the Meter Operation Code of Practice Agreement (MOCOPA) for electricity or Gas Safe Register for gas can carry out the work

All installations must comply with:

  • Building regulations
  • Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
  • Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002

Any unauthorised work may void insurance and risk prosecution.

Landlords and Tenants

  • Tenants must obtain written permission from the landlord before requesting any meter movement
  • Landlords are responsible for ensuring meters are safely located and accessible
  • In HMOs or converted properties, separate meters may be required by law

Landlords should work with suppliers and network operators to maintain compliance.

To move a gas or electricity meter safely and legally:

  1. Contact your energy supplier to explain your need for a meter move
  2. Confirm whether the move is minor or involves external supply equipment
  3. Request a site visit and formal quote from your supplier or network operator
  4. Schedule the work and prepare the site as advised
  5. Register for the Priority Services Register if the move is related to accessibility or vulnerability
  6. Retain all documents and receipts for reference or compliance inspections