Business energy meter installation: Your complete guide

If you're setting up a new business, moving to new premises, or upgrading your utilities, installing the right gas and electricity meters is essential for managing your energy usage and costs effectively.  

This guide covers everything you need to know about business energy meter installation, including selecting the right type of meter, understanding installation processes, and key considerations for your new setup. 

Why do businesses need energy meters? 

Whether you need a new business electric supply or setting up a new commercial gas supply, energy meters play a crucial role in: 

Accurate billing 

Without a properly installed meter, your energy provider will estimate your usage, which can result in: 

• Overcharging, requiring time-consuming refund requests. 
• Undercharging, which leads to unexpected debts that must be cleared before switching tariffs or suppliers. 

Improved energy efficiency 

Advanced meters, such as smart meters, provide detailed usage data to help businesses track and reduce their consumption. This results in cost savings and a reduced environmental impact. 

Regulatory compliance

Many businesses, especially those with higher energy demands, must meet regulations requiring specific types of meters, such as commercial gas meters or half-hourly electricity meters. 

Enhanced sustainability 

Reducing energy usage with precise monitoring contributes to a greener planet, improves your carbon footprint, and enhances your business's public image. 

Business gas meter installation 

A business gas meter is essential for companies using gas for heating or operations. Here’s how to ensure your commercial gas meter installation is smooth and efficient. 

Do you need a new gas meter for your business? 

You may need a new business gas meter in the following scenarios: 

• Your premises lack an existing gas meter 
• You’re switching to a new commercial gas supply 
• Your current gas meter is faulty, inaccurate, or insufficient for your needs 
• You’re upgrading to a smart gas meter for more efficient tracking 

There are several benefits of a getting new business gas meter fitted, including: 

• Precise billing: Accurate gas readings eliminate billing errors 
• Energy insights: Track and optimize your gas consumption 
• Environmental impact: Reduced usage means a smaller carbon footprint 

How to get a gas meter installed in the UK 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting a gas meter installed: 

1. Check for an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) 

• For existing properties, your MPRN is listed on paperwork from the National Grid 
• If you’re unsure of your MPRN, contact XOSERVE on 0870 608 1524 or use the Find My Supplier service 

2. Determine the gas supply status 

• If your premises lack a new business gas supply, contact National Grid to confirm connection requirements 
• It typically takes 15 working days to verify connection details 

3. Plan the installation date 

• Gas meter installation costs vary depending on your requirements 
• Once a gas contract is agreed upon, most suppliers can complete installation within five working days 

4. Evaluate your gas demand 

• Have a CORGI-registered engineer assess your appliances to determine maximum hourly gas usage 

5. Choose the meter location 

• Internal meters are common for premises with indoor gas pipelines 
• External meters require protective housing, typically supplied by your provider 

6. Understand service pressure requirements: 

• Confirm with your pipework installer if your supply pressure is low, medium, or high. High-pressure systems may have higher installation costs 

Business electricity meter installation 

Setting up the right business electricity meter is vital for managing energy consumption and controlling costs, whether you’re arranging a new business electricity connection or replacing an outdated system. 

Do you need a new business electricity meter? 

You may need a business electricity meter installation if: 

• Your premises lack an electricity meter 
• You’re switching to a new business electric supply with specific tariff requirements 
• Your existing commercial electricity meter is faulty, outdated, or unsuitable 

Types of business electricity meters 

Electricity meters come in a variety of shapes and functions, and the one best suited to you will depend on your energy requirements and the tariff you’re on. The first thing to consider is the type of rate you’ll be on: 

• Single-rate meters - Charge a flat rate for electricity usage. Suitable for businesses operating during standard hours, such as offices or retail stores 
• Two-rate meters – Also known as time-of-use meters, these separate rates for peak and off-peak times, ideal for businesses like restaurants operating late hours 
• Three-rate meters - Include weekend rates, making them perfect for businesses such as pubs or clubs 
• Half-hourly meters (HH) - Half-hourly meters send detailed energy usage readings every 30 minutes. Required for businesses with a maximum energy demand exceeding 100kW 
• Smart meters - Smart meters send usage data to your supplier, ensuring accurate billing without the need for manual readings 

How to install a new commercial electricity meter 

If you’re planning a commercial electricity meter installation, follow these steps: 

1. Check your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) 

• Your MPAN is listed on recent energy bills or available through your supplier 
• For new premises, use the Energy Networks Association to identify your current provider 

2. Plan ahead 

• Arrange a new business electricity connection at least one month before your planned operations 
• Allow 10–15 days for meter installation, or up to 12 weeks for a completely new supply line 

3. Determine energy requirements 

• Decide if your business requires a single-phase or three-phase supply: 
• Single-phase: Suitable for businesses with basic energy needs, like lighting and heating 
• Three-phase: Required for businesses using heavy machinery 

4. Choose a meter type 

• Discuss options with your supplier to select the right commercial meter for your tariff and energy usage 

How to read your business gas and electricity meters 

There’s no single answer about how to take your electric meter reading. It’s the same for gas meter readings too. That’s because there are different types of meter display – dial energy, LCD and mechanical display. But don’t worry, all these meters are easy to read when you know how. 

• Dial Display: There are two types of dial display energy meters. If yours has a ‘10,000’ label on the left side, you only need to pass on the first five digits of the displayed number.  
  If your meter is labelled ‘100,000’ pass on all six digits to your provider. With dial display meters there can often be two numbers provided. If the dial is not between 9 and 0, you should note down the lower number. If it is between 9 and 0, you’ll need the higher number. 
• LCD Display: Simply note down the number shown on the screen and pass this on to your provider. If you’re on a multi-rate system, you’ll need to use the keypad to scroll to the required recording. 
• Mechanical Display: It couldn’t be simpler; all you need to do is record the number on the screen in full. If you have a multi-reader, take the number from each screen and pass these on to your energy supplier. 

If you’re still unsure about reading your electric meter, or gas meter, feel free to get in touch with our energy experts who can help you further. 

What to do with your business gas and electricity meter readings 

Now you know how to read your energy meters, you’ll need to inform your supplier of your usage. 

The most convenient way to do this is to download your supplier’s smartphone app where you can input your details when required. 

As well as via a smartphone app, you can also submit your meter reading in the following ways: 

• By phone 
• Via your energy supplier’s website 
• Automatically, with a smart meter 

If you can do without the hassle of taking and sending meter readings to your supplier, it might be worth getting a smart meter. This will send your usage automatically and should guarantee accurate billing. 

What are the costs and considerations of new meter installations?

Gas meter installation cost 

The commercial gas meter installation cost depends on factors like: 

• The type of meter 
• Service pressure requirements 
• Location and connection complexity 

Discuss these details with your supplier or installer to receive an accurate quote. 

Electricity meter installation cost 

While many suppliers offer free upgrades to smart meters, installation costs for commercial electric meter installation can vary for bespoke setups. 

What are the benefits of upgrading to modern meters?

There are a few benefits to upgrading to a modern gas or electricity meter at your business premises, including: 

• Cost savings - Accurate readings prevent overpayments and highlight potential energy savings 
• Energy efficiency - Smart meters provide real-time data to track and reduce usage 
• Legal compliance - Certain businesses are required to install specific meters, like HH meters for high-demand premises 
• Sustainability - Reduced energy consumption helps businesses meet environmental goals 

Whether you’re arranging a new business electric supply or a commercial meter installation, planning ahead and consulting with your energy supplier ensures a smooth process. 

For expert advice and assistance with your meter installation, contact your business energy supplier or a certified professional today. If you’re ready to switch to a new supplier, give our energy experts a call on 0800 140 4667.