Having the right gas meter for your business is vital for ensuring you keep on top of your energy consumption. We talk through the process of installing a new gas meter and why it might benefit your business to do so.
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Your gas bill is worked out from your meter readings. Your gas provider legally only has to check your meter readings once every two years, so if you don’t keep them updated, they could have some pretty outdated figures!
If meter readings aren’t current, you may ultimately be either undercharged or overcharged for your business gas bill. If you end up in debt, you can’t switch providers until the balance paid off – even if you find better business energy quotes elsewhere you want to swiftly take advantage of. On the flipside, if you’ve paid too much it’s a lengthy process to get a reimbursement.
Installing a new gas meter for your business has numerous benefits, but the primary motivation is financial savings. Having accurate readings allows you to productively monitor your business gas consumption, which in turn allows you to make energy-efficient adjustments to your business. As a result, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint – great for both the environment and your reputation.
As many new meters automatically send your usage figures to your supplier, you’ll remove the hassle – and any human error! – that comes with taking readings yourself.
For business gas, there are typically three types of meters. These are:
Getting cheap business energy is just as much about choosing the right meter for your business as it is selecting the best tariff.
If you’ve opted for a Smart meter, then installation is free. This is part of a government initiative to encourage consumers to become more energy-efficient. With other meters, you’ll likely be charged an installation fee.
Of course, you’ll also need to pay for your tariff on top of this, and if you’re setting up a connection for the first time you may face additional costs too.
Before you install a new business gas meter, you need to know what your maximum gas requirements are. Essentially, this is the maximum amount of gas each of your appliances could potentially use within an hour, measured in either kWh, BTU or cubic meters.
You could work this out yourself by totalling the maximums outlined in each appliance’s handbook (and well done you if you do), but you’d be forgiven for thinking that sounds like a lot of work. Instead, you can contact the National Grid or request a CORGI-registered engineer does it for you. To add some perspective however, unless your businesses uses massive amounts of gas you shouldn’t ever exceed the maximums.
You’ll also need to find out the pressure of your gas supply by calling the National Grid. Just to note, higher pressures tend to mean more expensive meters, but don’t affect the price of energy on the whole.
Once you’ve confirmed a new business gas contract, installation itself usually happens within five working days However, if you’re fitting a gas connection from scratch then it can take longer, as you’ll first need to contact your DNO – that’s a Distribution Network Officer. They’ll let you know the know the cost of setting up a new gas supply at your business’ premises. Whether you need a new connection or are simply installing a new gas meter, it’s recommended you start the process as early as possible to be sure you’ve got the gas supply you need.
Now you know all about gas meters, you’re ready for installation. Here’s what you do: