Fixington

Move an Electric Meter

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Moving an electric meter means relocating the position of your home’s electricity meter from one spot to another. This might be necessary for several reasons—perhaps you’re extending your property, redesigning your garden, or the current location is inconvenient or inaccessible for meter readers or emergency services.

Electric meters must be placed in safe, accessible locations to comply with UK safety regulations and utility company requirements. Because this work involves handling your main electricity supply, it’s essential to get it done correctly and safely by a registered electrician.

🔧 What the job involves

Moving an electric meter involves carefully disconnecting the existing meter, relocating the meter housing, and reconnecting the wiring to the new location. The electrician will:

  • Assess the existing setup and decide the best alternative location.
  • Obtain permission from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO)—the regional body managing the electricity supply infrastructure.
  • Disconnect the power supply at the meter, safely remove the meter, and move the consumer unit wiring if necessary.
  • Install a new meter box (or move the existing one) suitable for the outside environment, weatherproof and security compliant.
  • Reconnect the meter and wiring in compliance with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).
  • Test the installation for safety and proper operation.
  • Arrange for the meter to be reprogrammed and reconnected by the energy supplier.
  • Provide certification and paperwork of the electrical work.

Because the supply authority may need to send an engineer to physically swap the meter, coordination with the energy supplier is part of the job.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician with your details and explain why you need the meter moved.
  2. Survey and quote: The electrician visits your home to inspect the existing meter position, assess access, and discuss preferred new locations. They provide a detailed quote including labour, parts, and any permissions.
  3. Book the work: Agree a date; the electrician may contact your energy supplier or DNO to arrange the necessary approvals.
  4. Day of works: The electrician shuts off the power, carefully moves the meter and associated wiring, installs a new meter box if required, reconnects everything, and tests the system.
  5. Energy supplier visit: On a coordinated date, the supplier’s engineer visits to reinstall the meter in its new location and reactivate the supply.
  6. Final checks and certification: Your electrician provides a certificate confirming the work meets Part P of the Building Regulations and BS 7671 standards.
  7. Paperwork and aftercare: Keep all certificates and contact details for any future reference or resale purposes.

💷 Main costs to expect

Typical costs when moving an electric meter include:

  • Labour: Electrician’s time for removal, installation, and testing (usually hourly or fixed rate).
  • Materials and parts: New meter box or housing, cabling, connectors, and fittings.
  • Permissions/inspections: Any fees or administrative costs from the DNO or energy supplier.
  • Disposal: Removal of old meter housing or excess materials.
  • Certification: Electrical safety certificate (Part P compliance).

Example rough breakdown:

  • Labour: £150–£250
  • Meter box and materials: £60–£120
  • Permissions/Supplier charges: £50–£100
  • Certificate: £40–£80
  • Disposal: £20–£40

Total typical cost: £320–£590 + VAT (if applicable)

📊 What affects the price

Several factors can influence the cost of moving an electric meter:

  • Accessibility of the existing meter location.
  • Distance and route to the new location requiring longer wiring or trenching.
  • Complexity of rewiring or consumer unit modifications.
  • Requirement for a new, more secure meter box.
  • Coordination with the energy supplier and any additional service fees.
  • Whether the electric supply needs to be turned off and restored by the supplier.
  • Location of your property (urban vs rural areas can affect call-out fees).
  • Timeframe or urgency of the works.

⏱ How long does it take?

The duration depends on the complexity:

  • Simple meter move (e.g., shifting the box a few metres on an outside wall): 2 to 4 hours.
  • Moderate move requiring new wiring runs and installation of a new consumer unit: Half a day (4–6 hours).
  • Complex projects (e.g., moving underground cables, installing a meter in an outbuilding): 1 day or more, possibly needing follow-up visits.

In addition, arrange some time for the energy supplier’s visit to reinstall the meter, usually within a few days.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Moving an electric meter is not recommended as a DIY job. It involves:

  • Working with live electrical components connected to your home’s main supply.
  • Compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations, requiring certified professionals.
  • Coordination with the DNO and your energy supplier.
  • The need for qualified electrical testing and certification.

Attempting this without proper training and certification risks electric shock, fire hazards, and invalidates your insurance. Always hire a Gas Safe or NIC EIC registered electrician with experience in meter work.

💰 Typical UK price range

As a rough estimate, moving an electric meter can cost between:

£300 and £600 (excluding VAT)

This estimate covers straightforward homes with no unusual difficulties. Larger or more complex jobs may go beyond this range. VAT at the standard 20% rate may also apply if your electrician is VAT registered.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check your paperwork: Gather previous electrical certificates or wiring diagrams to show the electrician.
  • Clear the area: Ensure easy access to the meter location and new proposed site.
  • Plan your preferred location: Discuss with your electrician where the meter is most convenient and safe.
  • Prepare for a power outage: The swap means your electricity will be off temporarily—plan ahead to minimise inconvenience.
  • Verify credentials: Confirm your electrician is properly certified and registered, ideally with a Part P competent person scheme.
  • Keep all certificates: Save all issued paperwork and certificates for future reference.
  • Arrange times with your energy supplier: Your electrician should coordinate this; ask them for a timeline.
  • Regular servicing: Once the meter is moved, consider periodic electrical inspections as part of your home’s maintenance.

Moving an electric meter is a precise but manageable job when handled by a professional, ensuring your home electrical system remains safe, fully compliant, and convenient to access.