Gas meter certification period

Rishtonite

Like most people who are being encouraged to have smart meters fitted, I get regular communication from my supplier - Utility Warehouse.

My electric meter was certified 3/01 and according to the OPSS pdf it has a certification period of 35 years (so won't expire until 2036)

I can't find any similar web page/document for the gas meter certification period.

Anybody know where I can find this information?

BarelySentientAI

Is it on the MID certificate?

Alnat1

Gas meters don't have a certification date.

Rishtonite

BarelySentientAI said:

Is it on the MID certificate?

There is no CE or MID markings on my meter, just a sticker with the installed date (30/01/01)

Rishtonite

Alnat1 said:

Gas meters don't have a certification date.

OK. Well that would explain why I've not found anything on the web. Thanks.

MP1995

Why wouldn't you want a smart meter?

BarelySentientAI

Rishtonite said:

Alnat1 said:

Gas meters don't have a certification date.

OK. Well that would explain why I've not found anything on the web. Thanks.

Seems like gas meters have a really handwavy version - suppliers must just be confident that the meter is likely operating correctly.  One thing it does say they are allowed to do is to use how often meters of a particular model are being reported as defective or found faulty.  As soon as those stats are worrying to them, they are then expected to replace every one of those meters known to be in service.

Not a certification date then, just a sort of sword of Damocles, where if they suddenly decide "nope, this model is no longer reliable", that's all the justification they need to change them.

mmmmikey

As I understand it new electricity meters no longer have a certification date either. Under current regulations a sample of each meter type is tested annually and once a certain proportion start to go outside acceptable tolerances, that type of meter is earmarked for replacement. Will check and see if I can find the appropriate regs.

matelodave

Theres a raft of info on t'internet like this - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gas-and-electricity-meter-regulations but AFAIK whether a meter is certified to maintain its accuracy for ten or even forty years, the company who owns it can decide when they want to change it which theoretically can be anytime up to and even beyond the certification date.

Some meters may be found to be less reliable and therefore require changing early, some might be more reliable, or the energy co may set a programme to change out a batch of meters in a region or area because its easier and cheaper than doing it piecemeal.

Arguing that a meter is still within its certification period isn't a reason to insist that you can keep it until the bitter end as its not actually yours and the energy company can decide what parameters he can choose to initiate a replacement.

Not the least being having his arm twisted by the government or being fined for not swapping them out fast enough. 

FreeBear

matelodave said:

Theres a raft of info on t'internet like this - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gas-and-electricity-meter-regulations but AFAIK whether a meter is certified to maintain its accuracy for ten or even forty years, the company who owns it can decide when they want to change it which theoretically can be anytime up to and even beyond the certification date.

Modern digital gas meters have a battery life of 6-10 years, and the meter is far more likely to be changed rather than replacing the battery. So it doesn't really matter how long the certification period is on the meter - Battery life will always trump it.

Scot_39

I know one person who after 2 failed smart - is now back on traditional gas.

Another who is waiting to see if supplier will go dual band - their preference- or give him a traditional meter.

Really not convinced of the smart argument for gas - given at least in Scot - already announced target c2028 (was brought forward from 2030 iirc for mains gas) for ban on replacement fossil fuel boilers 

6-10 years surely does nothing but increase operating costs - even if only say £100 for new meter or even new battery inc visit for fitting - another £10-17 pa.

Adding to all the other little new costs - debt £28, levilisation £11, standard "policy" costs increased £30 in Apr.  Luckily wholesale was dropping at the time - so hidden to the masses - but they aren't any more.  And those extras will still be being added as the bills for those not fixed go back up in Oct.