Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect existing meter position, consumer unit and access for payment meter installation

• isolate electricity supply and prove dead; tradesperson will wear PPE and follow safe isolation procedures

• remove old meter and fit new prepayment/smart payment meter and seals

• connect meter tails to the consumer unit, update labelling and fit trunking or meter box as required

• test earths, RCDs and meter operation, programme prepayment unit and record serial numbers

• clear site, remove old meter for disposal and provide handover on topping up and emergency procedures

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most straightforward payment meter installations take 1–3 hours on site; jobs that need consumer unit upgrades, long tail runs or supplier/DNO appointments can take a half day – 4–6 hours or require return visits.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• are you a registered electrician (NICEIC/part P) and insured for meter work?

• will you notify the distribution network operator or energy supplier if isolation or service cut is needed?

• is the quote fixed price or charged by the hour and what happens if additional works are needed?

• will you need to replace or upgrade the consumer unit, and can you provide a conditional cost for that work?

• what testing and certificates will you provide on completion (e.g., electrical safety or installation report)?

• do you carry spare meter seals, labels and common prepayment units if the supplied meter is faulty?

How to Avoid Surprises

• ensure clear access to the meter cupboard and consumer unit on the appointment day

• check if landlord or building manager permission is needed for meter changes

• arrange supplier or DNO appointments in advance if a live service disconnection is required

• allow space for vehicle parking close to the property for tradesperson tools and parts

• secure pets and clear the working area to reduce delays

• ask the trader to confirm required parts in advance to avoid return visits