Commercial gas & electricity meter installations

How do I get a commercial gas meter or commercial electricity meter installed?

Before you contact us, we'll need some key questions answering:

• Do you need new gas or electricity supply or both?
• Do you need new gas or electricity meters or both?

For your site for both gas and electricity we'll need:

• Estimated annual consumption (kWh and KVA)

For help with your electricity consumption, speak to your qualified, local electricity engineer. For gas annual use, check with a  Gas Safe Registered engineer. For electricity connections we'll need your MPAN number. You can find your MPAN by contacting your distributor network (DNO).  See How to find your local DNO.

What is the process for a commercial gas meter upgrade?

Please provide your business site details, MPRN and expected gas use. We’ll review your details and send you a quote. Once you accept the business gas contract and have paid, we’ll schedule an engineer to upgrade your meter safely. After installation, you’ll get your Welcome Pack and can manage your account online.

Can I upgrade to a smart commercial electricity meter?

Yes, if you’re a British Gas business electricity customer, you can upgrade to a smart meter at no extra cost. You can log in to your online account to request a smart meter upgrade. We’ll review your details and check if your site is eligible (e.g. it has a strong signal for data transmission). Once eligible, we’ll schedule installation. Your new smart meter will automatically send readings and deliver accurate business energy bills.

Can you install meters for multiple business sites or multi-occupancy buildings?

Yes, we can arrange meter installations for multiple commercial sites or a multi-occupancy building being used for commercial purposes. If you have several business locations or units, our expert team will coordinate a tailored plan for each site. You’ll need to switch to a British Gas business energy contract for those premises. We’ll then gather your details and provide a quote for installing meters across all your sites. With our extensive experience, we can handle both small sites and large infrastructure projects – making multi-site meter setups straightforward for your business.

What type of business energy meters can you install?

British Gas Business can install all types of business energy meters – from standard new gas and electricity meters to more advanced options. This includes fitting smart meters for businesses (for automatic readings) and half-hourly electricity meters for high-usage sites. Our expert team handles everything from simple meter installations to complex upgrades, ensuring each British Gas business meter is installed safely, compliant with regulations, and tailored to your company’s needs.

Can I request both a meter installation and a new business energy supply contract at the same time?

You’ll need to agree to a British Gas energy supply contract before we can carry out any new meter work. We’ll gather your details and provide a tailored quote covering both the meter installation and your business energy contract. Once you accept and pay, we’ll get you booked in and our engineers will install your meter and set up your new business energy supply safely.

How much does a commercial gas or electricity meter installation cost?

All commercial gas and electricity meter installations with British Gas business are chargeable. The cost varies based on your site’s requirements, including any necessary site works, the meter size, your annual energy use, and your location. Once you share your details, we’ll provide a tailored quote for the meter installation as well as a business energy supply quote. You will need to be with us as a business supply customer so that we can install any new connections or meters.

Do you have to pay to have a commercial electric or gas meter installed?

All business metering works are chargeable. Once we have your details, we'll provide you with a quote for the works as well as an energy supply quote. Your quote will vary depending on aspects such as:

• Site works required
• Meter size
• Annual energy use
• Region in the UK

What information do I need to arrange a new business gas meter?

To help us get you an accurate quote, please provide us with:

• MPRN – You find out your MPRN via your distributor network (DNO). See How to find your local DNO.
• Pressure of the service installed – This can be found on a yellow sticker on the end of supply pipe.
• Height of Gas (m/cm) – This is the height of meter off the ground.
• Input Rating

As every installation is unique we may need more details when we speak to you about your site requirements.

What information do I need to arrange a new business electricity meter?

To help us give you with an accurate quote, please provide us with:

• MPAN – You can find your MPAN by contacting your distributor network (DNO). See How to find your local DNO.
• Estimated annual consumption (kWh and KVA) – For help speak to your qualified local electricity engineer.

In addition, it would help us get a quote to you quicker if you can provide your:

• Electricity Agreed Consumption (EAC)
• Phase of supply

Will I need a business energy supply contract to have a meter installed?

Yes, you'll need to agree an energy supply contract, with British Gas, before we can carry out any new connection or meter work. This is a legal requirement.

My current energy supply is with a different supplier—can you carry out commercial connections or meter work?

No, you'll need to contact your current energy supplier. Or start a new energy supply contract with us prior to us carrying out the installation works.

I have an existing meter but no supplier—can you carry out metering work for me?

Yes, but for us to carry out any metering works you'll need to agree a new energy contract with us. Remember, to take a photo of your existing meter before you get in touch. Our energy supply contracts will be subject to our terms and conditions.

Can I get a larger gas supply or meter for my business?

Yes, if you're one of our existing customers you can request a quote for a larger gas supply or meter. We'll need:

• Details of the increase in load or pressure
• Site plan with meter labelled inside the building
• Where the building is in relation to other properties and roads

Timescales may vary depending on your site needs.

How long does a commercial gas meter installation take?

For all our British Gas business energy customers, a commercial gas meter installation typically takes 4–6 weeks to complete if your site already has a gas supply connection in place. Larger or more complex projects, or certain locations, may take longer – sometimes up to a few months. Rest assured, we’ll work with you to schedule and finish your business gas meter as quickly and safely as possible whilst also keeping any disruption to a minimum.

How long does it take to get a new electric meter installed?

If your commercial site already has cabling, a typical meter installation is between 4 and 6 weeks. Depending on your location and project complexity it can take up to 4 months.

Do I need a qualified engineer for my business meter installation?

Yes, a qualified engineer is required for any British Gas business meter installation. All new commercial gas or electricity meters must be fitted by an accredited professional, not a general electrician. British Gas will arrange a fully qualified engineer to handle your business meter installation from start to finish. This ensures your commercial energy meter is set up safely and in line with industry regulations.

Can an electrician install a new commercial gas meter or electricity meter?

No, you need to approach a supplier for any metering works. An electrician or engineer cannot fit any new commercial energy supply meters.

What technical information is needed for a new meter installation?

For gas:

• MPRN
• Pressure of the service installed
• Height of Gas (m/cm)
• Input Rating

For electricity:

• MPAN
• Estimated annual consumption (kWh and KVA)
• Electricity Agreed Consumption (EAC)
• Phase of supply

Who owns the electricity or gas meter at my business premises?

The Meter Asset Manager (MAM) owns the gas or electricity meter but this can vary. A sticker on the meter will display who the meter is owned by. Usually, the supplier will not own the meter.

Who is responsible for installing business electricity meters?

You'll need to approach a supplier, like British Gas metering, for any commercial metering works.

Can you move my commercial gas meter?

Yes, if you're one of our customers we can change the position of your existing gas meter. Before you get in touch, we need your correct Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) and also remember to make a note of the meter serial number found on the sticker on your gas meter.

Can you move my commercial electricity meter?

Yes, we can move it by approximately 1m distance. Remember to make a note of the meter serial number found on the sticker on your electricity meter. If you need to move your meter by more than 1m, please contact your network provider to arrange the works. To find your network provider go to  Find my network operator.

Can I install a secondary gas meter at my commercial site?

No, we can't install a secondary gas meter. Each unique address can only have one meter supply.

How can I change my electricity meter from commercial to domestic in the UK?

As a supply customer, you'll need to contact your energy supplier, to tell them the supply is moving from commercial to domestic use. Also, you'll need to arrange a new domestic energy supply contract. The energy supplier will ask for more details about your energy supply, so have a recent bill to hand along with your meter details. If you're with British Gas please contact us.

I’m a developer building a residential building - do I class as a business?

No, we take into account the purpose of a building, we would class these as residential use. If you need to, contact our residential British Gas metering team. However, if the property is multi-occupancy e.g., a shared supply for a block of flats, you can agree a commercial contract and get in touch with us.

I have my own meter operator fitting my commercial meter—can I use British Gas for the supply?

Yes, we can offer energy supply agreements where your contracted meter operator is installing a meter. They will require confirmation you have a supply contract in place prior to agreeing installation, and this will be subject to a credit vet. We'll need confirmation of the company who are installing the meter to confirm we can accept them.

How do I find out who my current energy supplier is?

You can find your existing energy supplier by calling EPOS on 0121 2602890 or by visiting OFGEM's  Find your energy supplier page.