BUSINESS GAS & ELECTRICITY METER SUPPORT

Your new premises.
Your next connection.

Planning a new business energy meter? Understand the connection, supplier and metering steps, and prepare the information your project needs.

Discuss a meter installation Understand the process

UNDERSTAND WHO DOES WHAT

A connection and a meter are different parts of the process.

Identify what your premises already have, what needs arranging and which organisations are responsible.

Ask about your project

A new business premises may need a network connection, a meter installation, an energy supply agreement or a combination of these. Knowing which parts already exist helps you avoid unnecessary applications and understand the work still required.

An empty meter cabinet does not necessarily mean that there is no connection. Equally, visible equipment does not confirm that the supply is active, correctly registered or suitable for your proposed use. Ask the relevant provider to confirm the position.

The network connection

A network connection provides the physical route for electricity or gas to reach your site. Connection work can involve network equipment, cables or pipes, site preparation and permissions from other parties.

For electricity, the relevant distribution network organisation handles its connection responsibilities. For gas, the relevant gas network or authorised connection organisation deals with its part of the works. Some sites are served by independent networks.

The energy supplier

The supplier is the organisation with which you arrange your energy supply contract. It handles the relevant supply registration and account arrangements and can explain the metering services available for your site.

Ask what must be completed before a metering appointment can be booked. Supplier registration, network readiness and installation arrangements may depend on each other, so do not assume they can be completed in any order.

Our business energy contracts guide explains the terms to check before agreeing to the supply arrangements.

The metering organisation

Metering organisations provide services such as supplying, installing or maintaining the meter. Data collection and other supporting services may be carried out by separate organisations.

Your supplier can explain which parties are involved and whether any separate agreement or appointment is required. For larger or more complex supplies, ask for a clear explanation of the metering and data arrangements.

Electricity and gas identifiers

An MPAN identifies an electricity supply point and an MPRN identifies a gas supply point. These identifiers are different from the meter’s serial number and your supplier account reference.

If you already have identifiers, provide them when discussing the project. For a new supply point, ask the relevant organisation when an identifier will be allocated and when the registration will be ready for the next stage.

Existing premises and changes of occupier

If you are moving into an existing site, obtain any available bills, meter information and supplier details from the landlord, developer or previous occupier. Establish which equipment serves your unit.

A change of occupier may require an account update rather than a new connection. Read our moving business premises guide for the documents and readings to prepare.

Capacity and intended use

Explain how the premises will be used, including significant equipment, heating, cooking or machinery. The capacity needed for your operation may differ from the previous occupier’s requirements.

Technical requirements should be assessed by the appropriate competent professionals and providers. Do not estimate electrical or gas installation requirements yourself where a professional assessment is needed.

PLAN YOUR PROJECT

Prepare the details before booking the work.

Clear information about the site, its existing supply and your intended use helps the relevant providers assess what is needed.

Information to have ready

  • The full site address and postcode.
  • Your business name and contact details.
  • Whether you need electricity, gas or both.
  • Any existing MPAN or MPRN.
  • Known supplier and network information.
  • A description of existing meters or equipment.
  • Your intended business activities and major equipment.
  • Your preferred opening or completion date.
  • Relevant landlord, developer or site manager details.

Providers may request site plans, photographs, capacity information or evidence of permission to carry out works. Ask what is needed and provide it through the appropriate channel. Clearly identify details that are not yet confirmed.

Confirm the scope of each quote

Ask which works and services are included, which organisation will carry them out and whether another appointment is needed. A metering quote does not necessarily cover network connection work or alterations to your own installation.

Check charges for surveys, preparation, installation, ongoing metering services and any cancellation or missed appointment. Ask whether VAT applies and whether particular charges will appear separately or through your supplier bill.

Coordinate the project milestones

Agree the sequence with the organisations involved. A project may need network work, site preparation, registration, metering and commissioning before the supply can be used.

Do not treat one appointment as confirmation that every stage is ready. Ask who is responsible for each dependency and request written updates when dates change. Tell providers if your trading plans depend on a particular opening date.

Timescales depend on the site

A meter installation on a prepared existing connection differs from a project requiring excavation, permissions or network upgrades. Access, equipment availability and outstanding paperwork can also affect progress.

Obtain project-specific estimates from the responsible providers. Avoid committing to an opening date solely on the basis of a general installation estimate. Ask which dates are provisional and what must happen before they can be confirmed.

Arranging your supply contract

A new meter does not replace the need for an appropriate supplier arrangement. Check the proposed rates, standing charges, duration and any metering-related conditions before accepting a contract.

Our business energy comparisons guide explains how to provide information when the site does not have a full billing history. If another supplier already serves the premises, also read our switching supplier guide.

After the meter is installed

Keep the installation documents, meter serial number and any opening readings provided. Ask how readings will be collected and how to report a suspected fault. Confirm that the supplier’s records identify the correct site and meter.

Check your first bill against the agreed contract and installation information. Our bills and meter readings guide explains useful checks. Record your supply contract end date and use our renewals guide when planning the next review.

Replacing or relocating an existing meter

If you suspect a fault, need a different meter arrangement or want equipment moved, contact your supplier or the relevant provider first. The work required may involve more than a meter exchange.

Do not remove seals, open protected equipment or attempt installation work yourself. Use the appropriate authorised organisations and competent professionals for the work concerned.

How Save Energy Cost can help

We can discuss your project, help identify the information to prepare and explain available supply options where appropriate. Any coordination services and fees will be explained before you proceed.

Network and metering work is carried out by the relevant providers. We do not guarantee an installation date, technical approval or connection cost. Our role depends on the services agreed with you.

If you are unsure whether you need a connection, a meter or account support, visit general business energy support or send our team a short description of the site.

HELPFUL ANSWERS

New business energy meter FAQs

Is a new connection the same as a new meter?

No. A connection provides the physical route for energy to reach the premises. Metering measures consumption. Your site may need one or both processes.

Who should I contact first?

Establish whether the site already has a connection, supply-point identifier and supplier. A landlord or developer may hold useful records. Contact us if you need help identifying the next enquiry to make.

Do I need a supplier before installation?

Supplier and registration arrangements commonly form part of preparing a metering installation. Ask the relevant provider to confirm the required sequence. Read our energy contracts guide.

How long will a new meter take?

Timing depends on the connection status, site readiness, registration and available appointments. Obtain a project-specific estimate and confirm which dependencies remain outstanding.

Will installation cost extra?

Charges depend on the work and arrangements. Ask for an itemised explanation covering installation, connection work and ongoing services where relevant. Check which costs appear on supplier bills.

What if I have just moved into premises with no meter?

Ask for existing connection and supply-point records before assuming that a completely new connection is needed. Our moving premises guide explains useful handover information.

Can I compare energy contracts without previous bills?

You may be able to use the site details and estimated consumption. Explain what is confirmed and what needs assessment. Read our comparisons guide.

Who do I contact if an existing meter seems faulty?

Contact your supplier and describe the issue without opening or altering equipment. Keep relevant readings and bills. Our bills and readings guide explains the records that may help.

EXPLORE MORE SUPPORT

Find the help your business needs.

Clear guidance on contracts, bills, moving premises and your next business energy decision.

View support centre

PLAN YOUR NEXT CONNECTION

Let’s understand what your premises need.

Share the site address, fuel required and what you know about the existing supply. We’ll discuss the next steps with you.

Discuss your installation

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