Access to Gas and Electricity Meters

siliconbits

I am planning an extension that will block the public access to my outside cupboard where my utility meters are. Is there a legal requirement to allow meter readers access to gas and electricity meters? Thanks for helping out.

spiro

siliconbits wrote: »

I am planning an extension that will block the public access to my outside cupboard where my utility meters are. Is there a legal requirement to allow meter readers access to gas and electricity meters? Thanks for helping out.

Yes there is. When you say it will block access to the outside meter box exactly why will this happen? Moved indoors?

macman

I think the OP means that access will only be available by entering the property first; i.e. what was the outside wall with a meter box will become part of a porch or similar? In which case I cannot see an issue. Less convenient for the meter reader, but not illegal.

siliconbits

Macman got it spot on. It is outside in a cabinet but the planned extension will effectively move it indoors. It will still be accessible but you will have to literally come inside the house.

matelodave

Most people's meters are indoors or in a garage and so need the householder to allow access so building around the meter cupboard isn't a problem so long as they can actually be read/serviced.

[Deleted User]

None at all, its common to build over outside meters with extensions. Costs a bomb to move them so leave them where they are

footyguy

siliconbits wrote: »

I am planning an extension that will block the public access to my outside cupboard where my utility meters are. Is there a legal requirement to allow meter readers access to gas and electricity meters? Thanks for helping out.

There is a requirement to allow meter readers access ... but this can be on request
(If you consistently fail to grant access when requested, the supplier may apply for an entry warrant ... for which you will be charged)

This might cause you problems as you will have to regularly grant access, especially for the gas meter for example, where the supplier is obligated to carry out a safety check at least once every two years. But lots of people have their meters inside their property, not accessable externally, particularly those living in older properties.

It was only to avoid the necessity for someone to to allow meter readers access to the meters, that meters have increasingly been located in positions where they can be accessed without anyone allowing access.

MeterMan

You need to contact your gas transporter. Not allowed to have a meterbox indoors.

You will void your house insurance if there is ever a need to claim as a result of not having your meter moved

JC_Derby

sacsquacco wrote: »

None at all, its common to build over outside meters with extensions. Costs a bomb to move them so leave them where they are

isn't it against building regs?

JC_Derby

also be prepared, if the service ever fails to have your floor dug up.
I understood national grid/Transco were writing to some customers who had built over gases services and making them move them. Cant find any evidence on that so may just be hearsay.....

[Deleted User]

Plenty of people have meters inside.

My electric meter is in the cupboard under the stairs. The gas meter is outside but when I had gas installed I actually got asked where I wanted it e.g inside, outside, box in the ground.