Gas Meter Replacement Rights — When Your Supplier Must Replace It

Gas meter replacement rights are something most UK energy customers don’t know they have — until they need them. If your meter is faulty, out of certification, or simply not working properly, your supplier has legal obligations. Here’s what they are and how to enforce them.

Who owns your gas meter?

Your gas meter is owned and maintained by your energy supplier — not by you. This means the responsibility for keeping it in good working order, replacing it when needed, and ensuring it’s accurate sits entirely with them.

You cannot be charged for a meter replacement that is required due to a fault, age, or failed certification — this is your supplier’s cost to bear.

When must a gas meter be replaced by law?

1. When the certification period expires

All gas meters in the UK must be certified as accurate by the manufacturer. This certification has an expiry date — typically 10 years for domestic gas meters, though this varies by meter type. Once a meter’s certification expires, your supplier is legally required to replace it.

You can find your meter’s certification date on the meter itself or by asking your supplier directly.

2. When the meter is proven to be inaccurate

If a meter accuracy test confirms your meter is recording usage incorrectly — either over or under — your supplier must replace it. They must also recalculate your bills for the period the meter was faulty.

You have the right to request a meter accuracy test at any time. If the meter passes, your supplier may charge a fee — but if it fails, the test is free and a replacement is mandatory.

3. When the meter develops a fault that cannot be repaired remotely

Smart meters can often be fixed remotely by your supplier’s engineering team. But if a fault cannot be resolved remotely and an engineer visit doesn’t fix it, the meter must be replaced.

4. When you are upgrading from a traditional to a smart meter

Under the UK Government’s smart meter rollout, all domestic properties are entitled to a smart meter. Your supplier must offer you one — though you have the right to decline.

How long does your supplier have to replace it?

There is no single fixed legal deadline for all meter replacements — but Ofgem’s licence conditions require suppliers to maintain meters in good working order and respond to reported faults promptly. Industry standards generally expect:

Emergency faults — same day or next day response
Non-emergency faults — within a reasonable timeframe, typically a few weeks
Certification expiry replacements — before the certification lapses

If your supplier is taking an unreasonably long time, you have grounds to complain formally.

What if your supplier delays or refuses?

If your supplier is dragging their feet on a replacement you’re entitled to, follow these steps:

Put your request in writing — email or letter — so you have a paper trail
Reference the specific reason for replacement (fault, certification, inaccuracy)
Set a reasonable deadline for their response
If they don’t respond — escalate to a formal complaint

How to dispute a gas bill →

Generate a formal complaint letter →

Can you request a meter accuracy test?

Yes. Any domestic energy customer in the UK can request that their supplier arranges a meter accuracy test. The meter is tested against a certified standard. If it fails:

The replacement is mandatory and free
Your supplier must recalculate affected bills
You may be entitled to a refund if you were overcharged

If the meter passes, your supplier can charge you for the test — typically around £200. Request one only if you have strong reason to believe the meter is inaccurate.

Not sure if your meter needs replacing?

Run a free Health Check and we’ll help you work out what’s happening and whether you have grounds to request a replacement.

Start your free Health Check →

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All advice on SmartMeterHelp is independent. We’re not affiliated with any energy supplier.