Can an Electrician Move a Meter in the UK?

Moving an electricity meter in your home or business can be a complex process requiring both a qualified electrician and approval from your energy supplier. This article explores whether electricians in the UK have the authority to relocate meters on their own or if other permissions are needed.

According to blackstone-electrical.co.uk, meters are generally fitted in external boxes on outside walls or in porch areas for access reasons.

Understanding Electricity Meters in the UK

Electricity meters in the UK are owned by energy distribution network operators, not the energy suppliers. The most common type is the single-rate credit meter, which records total energy usage. Other varieties include multi-rate and smart meters.

Meters are installed in appropriate locations to enable access for readings and maintenance. They should also be positioned for safety, considering proximity to other services like gas pipes or water mains.

Reasons You May Need to Move the Meter

There are a few scenarios that can prompt the need to relocate an electricity meter:

• Home improvements – If you’re extending your property or converting an outhouse, the meter may obstruct building work. You may want to move it to an external wall in the new section.
• Accessibility issues – Those with mobility problems can request for the meter to be lowered or raised to an appropriate height.
• Safety hazards – Inadvertent damage to meter boxes or unsafe proximity to other services may require repositioning.
• Visual appeal – Some homes locate the meter in an unsightly spot. Relocating can make it less conspicuous.

In each case, you’ll need to enlist both an electrician and the consent of your electricity network operator.

The Role of an Electrician in Meter Moving

Registered electricians have the skills and qualifications to undertake the electrical work involved in relocating a meter:

• Safely isolating and capping off existing cables/entry points
• Installing new cabling and components like tails, fuses and isolators
• Creating a new entry point and terminating cables at the new meter position
• Reconnecting wiring to restore functioning meter and supply

However, even as trained electrical installation experts, they cannot simply remove and reposition meters independently.

Requirements for Energy Supplier Approval

Your electricity distribution network operator has oversight of any meter moving work. Their approval for both the new location and the electrician is mandatory.

The supplier will assess:

• Safety – The new position must meet minimum clearance distances from other services. It should allow safe access without undue risk to household safety or potential meter tampering.
• Convenience – There must be reasonable access to read the meter and its visibility for regular readings.
• Meter type – If you have a smart meter, will signal reach be impacted by the new location?

Once they approve the meter move, they will appoint an electrician to undertake the work. You cannot use your own contractor.

The Meter Moving Process Step-By-Step

If your request to move the meter gets approved, the typical process is:

1. Survey – The distribution company surveys the property and determines the most suitable new meter location.
2. Isolation and electrical work – On the scheduled day, your power will be isolated. The electrician will then remove existing cabling, remove the meter, install new components and wiring to the new site, refit the meter and reconnect it.
3. Resealing – The meter cabinet is resealed and the supply is restored by the end of the agreed appointment.
4. Follow-up – You let your energy provider know the move went ahead so they can update your details.

How Much Will It Cost to Move My Meter?

As both a qualified electrician and official sign-off is needed, relocating a meter in the UK is not cheap.

• For standard meter moving, costs start from £300-£500.
• Adding extra electrics work can soon increase quotes to £800-£1000+.
• Alterations deemed complex by engineers may cost £1500+.

You must cover the full expense unless the move is legally required to meet access regulations. In this case, disabled homeowners or tenants may find costs reduced.

Some factors affecting price include:

• Type of meter
• Extra electrical work needs
• Distance and complexity of re-routing cables
• Access issues adding labour time

Getting multiple quotes can help source the best deal.

DIY Meter Moving – Can I Do It Myself?

It’s understandable to question if you can save on electrician fees by moving the meter yourself in a straightforward relocation. However, this is strictly prohibited for safety legal reasons.

The only exception is if an emergency causes danger, e.g. fire damage. In this case, you must inform the distribution network operator immediately afterwards. Otherwise, tampering penalties can include prosecution and fines.

Using an Electrician You Choose Yourself

While handy to have your own trusted electrician handle the meter relocation, approved contractors must conduct the work. The meter and supply components belong to the network operator.

They require verification that qualified parties have performed the installation and reconnection to industry standards. Using an independent electrician risks:

• Refusal to reconnect the power.
• Penalties for tampering if you reconnect illegally.
• Invalidation of wiring certification.
• Removal of all unapproved cabling.

It’s best practice to use the officially designated electrician.

Can I Move the Meter Back Afterwards?

If you move home and the new meter location is now inconvenient, it is possible to request moving it back. This is still subject to:

• Formal approval by the network operator to revert the change.
• Using their officially assigned electrical contractor.
• Covering all costs to move it to the original or new agreed position.

So while reversible in theory, it can be an expensive decision, especially if you’ve only recently paid to relocate it.

Key Takeaways: Who Can Move an Electricity Meter?

While qualified electricians conduct the physical repositioning work, meters can’t simply be relocated at will in UK homes or businesses. Key summarize points include:

• Energy network operators own the meters – only they can formally approve alterations.
• Using an approved, assigned electrical contractor is mandatory.
• DIY attempts risk prosecution and supply disconnection.
• Costs often exceed £500+ and must be self-funded unless for access requirements.
• Moving and returning meters afterwards is possible but expensive.

So in summary – no, electricians cannot move UK meters independently. Permission plus using their services for the move is vital, making it a more complex process than just electrical alterations.