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A Guide to Business Energy Meter Installation
Whether you have recently moved into new premises or are looking to have an accurate smart meter installed, there are many suppliers which offer quick and easy electricity and gas meter installations. Installing a new meter which uses the most up-to-date technology will ensure your business benefits from accurate bills and efficient management of utilities.
When should I have a new energy meter installed?
If your business has recently moved to a new building, you should check whether there is a business energy meter installed and whether it is still connected. If there is a meter in place it may still need to be replaced, as the older meters may not be as accurate as new models. Alternatively, if your energy requirements or usage patterns have changed, such as using a new supply or increasing your supply, you may need to have a new meter installed.
Whether you have moved to new premises, expanded your business or are refurbishing your premises, there are commercial energy meters available which will suit your specific requirements. If you are having a new electricity supply installed, it will take roughly 10 working days to complete, with new gas connections taking between 5 and 30 working days.
What type of energy meter should be installed
The type of energy meter your business requires will depend on several factors, such as the amount of energy you use and the times which you use the most energy. Your gas or electricity supplier will advise which is the best meter for your business, with the following being the most common types:
Single-rate energy meters
If your business uses the majority of its energy between 8am and 10pm, it is likely that you are operating during peak times. The best option for your business is likely to be a single-rate energy meter, which will charge your business a flat rate for the gas or electricity it consumes.
Two-rate energy meters
These types of meters charge two separate rates and are also known as Economy 7 meters. If your business uses the majority of its energy during cheaper off-peak hours between 10pm and 8.30am, such as bars, takeaways and night clubs, it is likely that a split rate meter will save your business money. The peak daytime rate is higher with these meters, so they are not suitable for businesses which use most of their energy during the day.
Three-rate energy meters
In addition to energy meters which charge separate rates for peak and off-peak usage, these meters also charge a third rate for weekend usage. This would be ideal for businesses which experience their busiest periods across weekends and evenings.
Half-hourly energy meter
If your business consumes more than 100,000 kWh of electricity and is considered a high energy user, you will need to have a half-hourly energy meter installed. These meter installations are enforced by the P272 regulation and will ensure that your energy supplier has accurate records of your consumption every 30 minutes. It is worth noting that if you have a half-hourly meter installed, your business is legally required to appoint a meter operator and data collection services.
Smart meters
In comparison to traditional energy meters, the new smart meters will provide more accurate readings. This means your business will only pay for the exact energy it consumes and many suppliers will install these meters for free.
How are business energy meters installed?
Once your connection is up and running with your chosen supplier, the Meter Operator Provider (MOP) will visit your premises to install your meter. The MOP is responsible for maintaining the meter, fixing any faults and providing the infrastructure for the meter connection. You will be provided with a meter installation date and you will need to ensure that the engineer has access to the space required to complete the installation.
Once the meter is ready to use, the connection will be registered, and the usage data will be passed to your supplier.
Suppliers can provide their own MOP’s, or it is possible for businesses to choose their own. There are many data management providers across the UK which specialise in the energy industry. By arranging your own meter provider, business will be able to access consumption data and energy management tools.
If you have moved to new premises or are thinking of switching to a more competitive tariff, our team can help you find the best energy deals. We have partnered with multiple suppliers, including the large companies and independent suppliers, so you have access to the best rates for your specific electricity and gas requirements. We can also assist with the arrangement of new smart energy meters, so your business benefits from improved accuracy and increased efficiency. To find out more about our comparison services, please contact our team today.