What's the Cost of Moving a Gas Meter in 2025?

If a property uses gas, there must be a gas meter installed somewhere in it. Mostly, a gas meter can be found somewhere around the main entrance of the property. Under normal circumstances, a gas meter should not need to be relocated, but at times, it becomes necessary. You may need to move your gas meter due to multiple considerations, such as renovation of your home, redesigning the home layout, enhanced security requirements, or providing free access to the gas meter. Whatever may be the reason, moving the gas meter would normally involve a certain cost. 

The cost of moving a gas meter varies on a case-to-case basis. There are several factors that come into play, while estimating the cost of moving a gas meter. The most important factor that may affect the cost is the distance between the current and proposed location of the meter. The nature and complexity of the work required may also affect the overall cost. The cost of moving the gas meter may also depend upon the type of meter installed and the gas service providing company, as well. 

Types of Gas Meters

Gas meters are of different types, based on their make and way of measurement of consumption of gas. Here's a list of the most common types of gas meters used in homes, commercial and industrial properties:

• Mechanical Gas Meters – These are the simplest type of gas meters, which display the volume of gas consumed in units, either in Cubic Feet or Cubic Meters. The bill is calculated by applying the rate per Cubic Feet or per Cubic Meter, plus any other applicable charges. 
• Digital Gas Meters – Digital gas meters are even simpler as compared to mechanical gas meters. Using digital technology, the volume of gas consumption is displayed on a digital screen, in numbers. Digital gas meters are of two types: Digital Metric Meters and Digital Imperial Meters.
• Dial Gas Meters – A dial-type gas meter is quite a complex type of meter. Instead of a mechanical or digital display, a dial-type gas meter shows the gas consumption in 4-6 different dials, just like the dial of a clock. The needles on the dials point to the gas consumed. As the consumption gets higher, the needles will go up. 
• Smart Gas Meters – These are the Smart meters, as the name suggests. They use the latest computer-based technologies to measure gas consumption. More importantly, the consumption is automatically transmitted to the gas supply company without the involvement of taking the reading manually, either by the consumer or by the company representative. 
• Prepaid Gas Meters – It is a more advanced form of smart meter. These are commonly referred to as "Key Meters,” "Card Meters,” and "PAYG Meters (Pay as you go).” The consumers can top up the amount using a key or card to get the gas. The meter will allow the consumer to use the gas for the amount prepaid. When the paid amount exhausts, the consumers will be required to recharge the meter. This can be done by online apps on mobile phones. This type of gas meter is good for consumers, who want to control their gas consumption, as the consumption of gas remains in their own control. 

The overall cost of moving the gas meter is also based on the type of gas meter. Each of the above-mentioned gas meters needs a particular expertise and workmanship for uninstallation and reinstallation; hence, the labor cost and gas-safe registered engineer's fee may vary with the type of gas meter. 

What's the Cost of Moving a Gas Meter in 2025?

The overall cost of moving a gas meter in the UK in 2025 depends on various factors; hence, an exact amount cannot be estimated. While the actual cost may vary from case to case, generally, the cost of moving the gas meter would be somewhere between £400 and £1,500. In more complex cases and covering long distances, the cost may even go beyond £1,500. In case of movement of the gas meter within a distance of one meter, the cost may be between £85 to £120. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Moving a Gas Meter

There might be several factors that may influence the aggregate cost of moving a gas meter. While there would be location-specific factors involved in the movement of a gas meter, generally, the factors affecting it may include one or more of the following:

• Distance Between the Current and Proposed Location

The distance to which the gas meter needs to be moved is the most important factor when it comes to the cost. As a benchmark, if the gas meter needs to be moved up to one meter, the cost would be minimal, as low as £85 to £120. In case the distance exceeds one meter, the cost would then be calculated on the basis of the actual distance to which the meter needs to be moved. The longer the distance, the more would be the actual cost, as it may include the cost of additional gas pipe. 

• Nature and Complexity of the Work

Relocation of a gas meter may also involve additional work, like removal of the existing pipework and installation of new and additional pipes. Sometimes, you may have to conceal the gas pipe underground, for which digging of ground may also be required. If the gas pipe is to run alongside the walls, you may need to consider their safety, as well, which may involve some additional cost. So, the actual cost of moving a gas meter would typically depend on the nature and scope of work involved. The overall cost largely depends upon this very factor. More work required means additional cost. 

• Type of Gas Meter

As explained above, the type of gas meter also affects the cost of moving it. While the cost of moving a standard gas meter might be the lowest, the movement of a smart gas meter may involve more cost, as it needs more expertise. Similarly, if you have a prepaid gas meter, the cost of moving it would be different. Such meters would require resetting, reconfiguration, and some additional settings, which will increase the cost. 

• Expertise and Nature of Service Provider

You can either use the services of the gas supply company or hire the services of a gas-safe registered engineer to move your gas meter. While it is entirely your choice, it may affect the cost of moving your gas meter. Some of the gas supply companies offer their services for this purpose at very low cost. If the movement is simple and involves minimal work, the company may even do it at quite a low cost. On the other hand, if you engage a gas-safe registered engineer, the quality of work would be up to the desired standard; hence cost will be a bit higher. The gas safety regulations, however, require that all gas work should be done by a gas-safe registered engineer. 

• Location and Type of the Property

The location of the property can significantly affect the cost of moving your gas meter. If the property is situated at a prime location, the cost will be relatively less as compared to the properties situated at remote locations. Similarly, the cost may also be affected by the type of the property. Working in a residential property may involve less cost as compared to a commercial or industrial property. 

Estimated Costs of Moving a Gas Meter in 2025

While the actual cost of moving a gas meter may differ based on various factors, as explained above, a bare minimum estimation of cost is summarized here:

• Simple movement within one-meter distance - £85 to £120
• Short Distance movement - £400 to £700 
• Where the nature of work is less complex - £700 to £1,000 
• Where the nature of work is more complex - £1,000 to £1,500 or even more

IMPORTANT

• In some cases, you may also need to pay a reconnection fee, as charged by the gas supplier.
• It is highly recommended to conduct a gas safety check by hiring a gas-safe registered engineer once the relocation of the gas meter is done. This is very important for the safety of your property. This may also involve additional expenses.
• Check with the local authorities, if any permission is required for relocation of a gas meter. If required, you must obtain it before moving the gas meter. It may also involve an extra cost. 
• Check whether a Government Scheme or Grand is available in your area for moving the gas meter. It is often available when it comes to the safety requirements. If available in your case, it may compensate your overall expenses on moving a gas meter. This scheme is available for priority persons, such as pensioners and senior citizens.

MOST IMPORTANT

Never try to move your gas meter on your own. It might be a risky affair. Always engage a reputed professional gas safe registered engineer to conduct the relocation of your gas meter.

Conclusion

Normally, the relocation of a gas meter is a rare event, as it must have been installed after taking into consideration all the important factors. However, in certain cases, the relocation of your gas meter becomes necessary, may it be the renovation or redesigning of the home. In some cases, moving a gas meter becomes inevitable due to some safety or security reasons. Whatever may be the reason, moving a gas meter is not a simple job. 

More importantly, you cannot and should not try it yourself. You have to engage a professional and well-trained gas engineer, preferably a gas-safe registered engineer, for this technical job. In any case, moving a gas meter in 2025 involves a certain cost, which depends on various factors. While the minimum cost might be as low as £85 to £120, it may go up to £1,500 or even more, depending on the nature and scope of work.