I want to move my electricity meter, but I am having terrible difficulty arranging this with my energy supplier, and I have decided I am going to move it myself, by getting someone in to do it. Can you offer any advice?
It is illegal for you to move or remove your energy meter by yourself, and this includes arranging someone else to do this on your behalf without your supplier’s knowledge.
Who can move it?
If you wish to move your energy meter, you must contact the relevant party, which depends on how far you wish to move it –
- If you wish to move it one metre or less, then you should contact your energy supplier to do it for you.
- If you wish to move your electricity meter more than a metre, you should contact your electricity supplier in the first instance to check if it is them or your local distribution centre who would move it.
You can find out who your local network operator is by visiting www.energynetworks.org.
Will I be Charged?
You may be charged for moving an energy meter, depending on the supplier attending and the amount of work required to safely complete the move. Your supplier should be able to give you an idea of any costs involved prior to any work being carried out.
If additional work is required after the meter has been moved by an authorised party, then you may need to hire a registered electrician to do this for you, which will probably entail an additional charge.
Customers with priority needs
If you are a customer with priority needs, and moving the meter is a necessity, you should explain this to the supplier, and they may carry out the work free of charge.
This includes moving meters for several reasons, including accessibility issues when trying to read the meter, or making prepayment top-ups using a key or card.
I am really confused by my energy bills and am unsure of the terminology being used. Can you offer any advice?
Energy bills can be confusing, as they contain a lot of information in a relatively small space. Most bills, across different suppliers will have similar sections, showing information on what you have been charged, as well as a breakdown of how this is calculated.
The bill will outline your personal and meter information, as well as the way that you are charged. In addition to this information, bills or statements may have information such as personal projections of what you will use over the next billing period.
- Electricity is usually measured in Kilowatt Hours, sometimes shown as ‘kWh’ on the bill.
- Gas is usually measured in cubic metres, or cubic feet, sometimes shown as an ‘m’ or ‘f’ with a small number ‘3’ next to it.
- Your tariff is the price you are charged for each of these measurements.
Your supplier will work out what you have used by multiplying the number of units used by the tariff price and then add the daily standing charges for the period to give you the total bill amount.
energyadvice.scot provide free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to the citizens of Scotland. Their specialist advisers can provide support with enquiries related to energy suppliers, including complaints and issues with your energy bills.
energyadvice.scot are available from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm on 0808 196 8660, or by visiting www.energyadvice.scot, where there is also an explanation of commonly used energy terminology, and examples of bills.