Starting a new business in the UK? One of the first essential steps is setting up your gas and electricity meters. Getting it right ensures accurate billing, avoids overpaying, and helps you track energy usage from day one.
At ScaleX Technology, we help businesses optimise their utilities, so we’ve created this step-by-step guide to new meter installations for startups, shops, offices, and industrial units.
Why Proper Meter Installation Matters
✅ Accurate billing – No estimated charges
✅ Better energy management – Monitor real-time usage
✅ Access to cheaper tariffs – Smart meters unlock better deals
✅ Faster setup – Avoid delays in opening your business
Types of Business Meters in the UK
1. Standard Meters (Standard Non-Half-Hourly Meters)
✔ Basic meters that require manual readings
✔ Common for small businesses with low energy usage
✔ Simple but less efficient for tracking consumption
2. Smart Meters
✔ Automatically send readings to suppliers
✔ Access to real-time usage data via an in-home display
✔ Required for some business energy tariffs
3. Half-Hourly (HH) Meters
✔ Record usage every 30 minutes
✔ Mandatory for businesses using over 100kW of electricity per month
✔ More complex but provide detailed consumption data
4. AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) Meters
✔ Automatically send readings but aren’t full smart meters
✔ Often used as an interim solution
How to Get a New Meter Installed for Your Business
Step 1: Check if Your Property Already Has Meters
- If you’re moving into a previously occupied commercial space, meters may already be installed.
- Contact the previous tenant or landlord to confirm.
Step 2: Find Your Local Meter Operator (MOP)
- Gas meters are managed by Meter Asset Providers (MAPs).
- Electricity meters are handled by Meter Operator Contractors (MOPs).
- Your energy supplier can help identify who manages your meter.
Step 3: Contact Your Energy Supplier
- If you’ve already chosen a supplier, they’ll arrange installation.
- If not, the local distribution network operator (DNO) can assist.
Step 4: Book an Installation Appointment
- Installation times vary (usually 2-6 weeks).
- For urgent cases, some suppliers offer fast-track services.
Step 5: Prepare for Installation
✔ Ensure clear access to the meter location
✔ Have necessary permissions if it’s a shared building
✔ Be present (or appoint someone) to grant access
How Long Does Business Meter Installation Take?
- Standard meters: 1-2 hours
- Smart meters: 2-3 hours
- Half-hourly meters: May require additional setup
Cost of New Business Meter Installation
- Most suppliers install standard meters for free
- Smart meters are usually free but may have conditions
- Half-hourly meters can cost £200-£500+ depending on complexity
What If You Need a Temporary Supply?
- For construction sites or pop-up businesses, temporary meters can be installed.
- Contact suppliers like SSE, Npower, or Crown Energy for short-term solutions.
Top Tips for a Smooth Meter Setup
🔹 Choose the right meter type (smart meters save time & money)
🔹 Compare suppliers before committing
🔹 Check if your business qualifies for smart meters
🔹 Keep meter details safe (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas)
Final Thoughts
Setting up your new business gas and electricity meters correctly ensures accurate billing, better energy control, and potential savings. Whether you need a standard, smart, or half-hourly meter, planning ahead avoids delays.
At ScaleX Technology, we help businesses optimise utilities and reduce costs. Need expert advice? Contact us today!
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