Gas Policy Meter Exchange FAQs

 

What is this meter exchange going to cost me?

 

Nothing. There is no cost to the end consumer.

 

Why is my meter being changed?

 

All gas meters are changed/ upgraded periodically to ensure the continued safety and accuracy.

 

How long will this work take?

 

The work will usually take approximately 20 -30 minutes, although should any pipework alteration be required then it could take slightly longer.

 

What happens if I don't call in to confirm the appointment I've been given on the letter?

 

The appointment given on the letter is a tentative appointment and requires you to call in and confirm if it is convenient. If the appointment isn't confirmed by you then the job may not get scheduled to an operative and no one will attend the appointment. To confirm or replan the appointment on the letter please call us on 0845 3000046.

 

The meter box is situated outside. Do I need to be present and will you relight all my gas appliances?

 

Yes. You do need to be present as the engineer will require access to all gas appliances within the property to conduct a visual inspection during the visit. Following the exchange the engineer will relight all appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Will this exchange affect my gas bills?

 

No. When your meter is exchanged the final reading will be taken from your old meter along with the install reading on your new meter.  Both these readings are sent to British Gas where they will calculate your bill in the usual manner.

 

How will the new meter measure my Gas consumption?

 

You may notice that the dials on your new meter move round quicker than your old meter. This is because the new meter measures the consumption in Cubic Metres instead of the Imperial Units measured by your old meter. This change in measurement in no way affects your gas bill.

 

All the houses in my street were built at the same time, why is it only my meter you want to exchange?

 

The previous meter operator may have installed refurbished gas meters, so even though all the houses in your street are the same age the meters within them may not be. Also, as a British Gas customer Siemens are contracted to carry out this Policy exchange program, whereas other meter operators are used by other suppliers who will have their own program.

 

Is my current meter unsafe or dangerous?

 

No. In order to ensure continued safety and accuracy all gas meter should be periodically exchanged.

 

On the letter the appointment offered is an all day slot between 08:00 - 20:00, Can I change this date or minimise the timeslot?

 

Yes. On the letter you received there are contact details that can be followed.  Please contact us on 0845 3000046 to arrange a more convenient date and/or time slot.

  

Can a timed appointment be offered?

 

Unfortunately we cannot offer a timed appointment due to the nature of our work. Our work-force is constantly attending emergency appointments and therefore we can only commit to our operatives attending within the following time slots:

 

Monday to Friday

08:00 - 13:00

12:00 - 17:00

08:00 - 20:00

 

Do I need to do anything ready for the operatives arrival?

 

All we ask is that the area where the meter is located can be kept clear allowing our operative enough access and space to carry out the exchange.  If there are any parking restrictions around your property we would be grateful if you could contact us to advise of any arrangements that need to be made.

 

I would like my meter relocating. Can you complete this work while you are here?

 

No. We cannot relocate the meter as we are only contracted to exchange the meter in its current location. We may need to make a slight alteration to its position as all Gas meters now have to be installed onto a wall/ floor bracket as per the current regulations. If you would like the meter relocated please contact British Gas.

 

Who will be coming to my property? Are they Gas Safe registered and will they have ID?

 

The operative attending your property will be either Carillion or Pargas employees. All operatives are Gas Safe Registered and will carry both their Gas Safe Card and Siemens ID card which are both available for inspection upon request.

If you are unsure of the identity of anyone calling at your property to carry out this work please call the number on the front of the Siemens ID card which the operative will present.

 

Can the operative call me before he arrives at my property?

 

Yes, the operative will forward call prior to their arrival at your property, on the telephone number provided at the time of booking the appointment.

 

If my meter box is damaged or the door is missing from the meter box will this affect the exchange?

 

Yes, the operative is not allowed to exchange a meter in a box that is damaged or has a door missing. As the householder the meter box is your responsibility to maintain and you should arrange for it to be repaired or replaced prior to the visit. If you live in a rented property then your landlord, council or housing association should be contacted in order to make the required repair.