• Blog
• Energy Guides

Business Gas Meters: Types, sizes and installation guide

Business gas meters are used in Britain to measure gas consumption at commercial properties.

All commercial properties with an active gas supply have a business gas meter. Gas meter readings are used to calculate charges on a business gas bill.

This guide explores the different types of business gas meters used in Britain and answers common questions about their installation, maintenance, and removal.

The different types of business gas meters

A gas meter measures the volume of gas that flows from the gas mains through the meter and into a commercial property.

Most commercial properties in the UK use diaphragm gas meters, which use a flexible internal membrane to measure the pressure of gas passing through them.

💡Here’s a helpful video if you’re interested in the moving parts inside your gas meter.

Here are the most common types of business gas meters used by small businesses in Britain:

Imperial business gas meter

An imperial business gas meter measures gas consumption in cubic feet. The display usually has four digits followed by “ft³”.

The digits on the front of the meter can either be rotating analogue dials or a digital display.

Metric business gas meter

A metric business gas meter measures gas consumption in cubic metres. The display of a metric business gas meter usually shows five digits followed by decimal points and “m³”.

The digits on the front can either be rotating analogue dials or a digital display.

Smart business gas meter

A smart business gas meter has a digital display and automatically communicates meter readings with your business gas supplier.

The main advantage of a smart gas meter is that you don’t have to manually submit meter readings to receive accurate business gas bills.

💡Use our business gas comparison service today to switch to a supplier offering free smart gas meter upgrades.

Sizes and capacities of business gas meters

The size of a business gas meter is typically determined by the maximum planned demand for gas, known as the flow rate. The flow rate for a typical UK household is 30 kW.

Here are the seven most common sizes of business gas meters:

Source: Gasconnections.co.uk

💡 The size of your business gas meter directly impacts the business gas standing charge in your business gas rates; the bigger the meter, the higher the charge.

Business gas meter installation

Installing a gas meter at a commercial property is a regulated process that must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer and usually involves multiple parties.

In this section, we explain when a business gas meter installation is required and how to arrange it.

Does your business need a new gas meter?

There are several situations where a new business gas meter may be required, including:

• Refitting or redeveloping a property and relocating the gas meter
• Upgrading or downgrading your business gas meter size to match demand
• Replacing a faulty, damaged, or outdated gas meter

💡 If your commercial property is not yet connected to the gas network, see our guide to new business gas connections.

How to arrange a business gas meter installation?

Safety is paramount when installing a gas meter. We recommend engaging a certified business utility consultancy that can manage each stage of the gas meter installation process.

To arrange a business gas meter installation, here’s the information you will need:

• Site address
• Company registration information.
• MPRN number
• Peak hourly gas demand in kWh (to determine the size of your gas meter)
• Proposed meter location (internal or external)

The process of installing your business gas meter

The process of installing a business gas meter requires the work of a qualified gas engineer. Here, we’ll outline the process for a simple small business gas meter installation.

• Initial site visit: An engineer will usually conduct an initial site visit to determine the scope of the work required and then agree on a later date for the installation.
• Supply isolation and meter installation: On the day of the installation, your business gas supply will be isolated, and your new meter will be installed and connected to the gas mains.
• Reinstating gas supply: Your business gas supply will be gradually reinstated while your engineer uses a manometer to check for leaks.
• Functionality and calibration check: Finally, your engineer will perform a functionality and calibration check on your business gas meter to ensure it works as expected.

Business gas meter problems and maintenance

Business gas meters are designed to operate reliably for many years, but faults and performance issues can still occur over time. Identifying problems early can help prevent inaccurate billing, supply interruptions, and safety risks.

Below are some of the most common issues businesses experience and how they are usually resolved.

Inaccurate or unexpected readings

One of the most common problems is unusually high, low, or inconsistent meter readings. This may be caused by:

• Internal mechanical wear in older meters
• Faulty communication on smart meters
• Incorrect manual readings
• Changes in business gas usage

Typical solution: Contact your energy supplier to request a meter accuracy check. If a fault is confirmed, the meter is usually repaired or replaced at no cost.

Estimated bills and missing readings

If your supplier cannot access your meter or receive automatic readings, your bills may be based on estimates rather than actual usage.

This often happens when:

• The meter is difficult to access
• A smart meter is not transmitting data
• Readings have not been submitted regularly

Typical solution: Provide up-to-date meter readings or upgrade to a smart gas meter.

Physical damage or wear

Gas meters installed in exposed locations may suffer from weather damage, corrosion, or accidental impact.

Signs of physical issues include:

• Cracked casing
• Loose fittings
• Rust or corrosion
• Visible tampering

Typical solution: Report any visible damage to your supplier immediately. Do not attempt repairs yourself. A qualified engineer will inspect and replace the meter if required.

Supply interruptions linked to the meter

In some cases, gas supply problems may be traced back to meter faults, pressure issues, or internal safety mechanisms.

This may result in:

• Reduced gas flow
• Intermittent supply
• Automatic shut-offs

Typical solution: An engineer will assess the meter and connected pipework and carry out pressure and safety testing before restoring the supply.

Smart meter faults

While smart gas meters reduce manual readings, they can occasionally experience technical problems, such as:

• Loss of signal
• Failed data transmission
• Display errors

Typical solution: Your supplier can reset, reconfigure, or replace the smart meter if remote fixes are unsuccessful.

Routine maintenance and inspections

Most business gas meters do not require regular maintenance from the customer. However, suppliers may carry out periodic inspections to:

• Verify meter accuracy
• Check safety compliance
• Record official readings

Businesses should ensure meters remain accessible and free from obstruction to avoid inspection delays.

💡 Gas safety warning: If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or believe there is an immediate safety risk, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away.

Removing a business gas meter

As the UK transitions to net zero, more commercial properties are upgrading to heat pumps that use electricity instead of gas.

If you no longer need a business gas supply, it’s beneficial to remove your business gas meter and disconnect from the local gas grid/independent gas transporter.

If you have a business gas meter, you’ll still be paying gas standing charges, regardless of whether your property is consuming any gas.

A qualified gas engineer can remove the gas meter and disconnect the gas pipework from the mains.

Business gas meters: FAQs

Below, we answer your most frequently asked questions about business gas meters.

How to tell if a gas meter is domestic or commercial?

In many cases, there is no physical difference between a gas meter at a small business and one installed in a home. The meter itself has the same hardware, and the MPRN does not indicate whether a supply is domestic or commercial.

The main difference is how the supply is registered and billed by the energy supplier.

If you are unsure, the best option is to contact your supplier, who can confirm your supply status using your account details.

How much does a commercial gas meter cost?

The cost of a commercial gas meter depends on the size, capacity, and complexity of the installation. Typical costs are influenced by:

• Meter size and flow rate
• Whether pipework upgrades are needed
• Site access and location
• Safety and compliance requirements
• Network connection work

As a rough guide:

• Simple replacements may cost a few hundred pounds
• New or upgraded installations can run into the thousands for larger sites

In many cases, the meter itself is owned by the supplier, whereas businesses pay for installation and connection work.

For an accurate price, we recommend requesting a site assessment and formal quotation based on their expected gas demand.

What is a business gas meter ID?

A meter ID, or meter serial number, is a unique identifier associated with a physical gas meter. If your gas meter is replaced or upgraded, your gas meter ID will change.

Most business gas meters will have a meter ID displayed on them. This will also be shown on your business gas bill.

Does my business gas meter have my MPRN number on it?

No, your business gas meter will typically not display an MPRN number. The MPRN is associated with a particular address that is connected to the local gas distribution network rather than a specific gas meter.

💡 A business gas bill will typically display both your Meter ID and MPRN.

Back to blog

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
•