What’s Involved in a Gas Meter Upgrade?

Why You Might Need to Upgrade Your Gas Meter

There are several factors that may prompt a gas meter upgrade:

• An outdated meter might not meet the industry’s current safety and accuracy standards
• Additional gas appliances may demand a higher gas supply than your current meter can provide
• Smart gas meters offer better monitoring, leak detection, and remote shut-off features, enhancing safety
• Upgrades to new meters tap into advancements in technology for better efficiency and performance

Usually, your gas distributor is responsible for meter upgrades. If your gas supply is inadequate or your meter seems antiquated, get in touch with your gas company to explore upgrade options and costs.

Understanding the Gas Meter Upgrade Process Step-by-Step

The process of upgrading your gas meter generally includes the following essential steps:

1. Get in touch with your gas distributor to request a meter upgrade and verify any associated costs.
2. If approved, your distributor will schedule a time for the upgrade that suits you and any tenants.
3. On the day, a licensed gas fitter will remove your old meter and install the new smart meter.
4. The gas fitter will then test for accuracy and ensure the absence of leaks in your new meter.
5. Post-upgrade, it’s necessary to relight and check all appliances for proper function.
6. Your gas distributor will remotely connect and commission the new smart metre so it can start monitoring usage.
7. You’ll be notified upon completion; expect brief service interruptions during the 1-2 hour upgrade.

Upgrading gas infrastructure requires qualified technicians as improper installation or handling of appliances can pose safety risks. Inform your distributor if anyone in your household relies on a continuous gas supply for health reasons.

Applying for a Meter Upgrade

The initial step in applying for a gas meter upgrade is to contact your local gas distributor directly. They oversee meter installation and upgrade services locally. Discuss your requirements and ask about the latest smart meters, seeking a quote for the meter upgrade.

When applying, be ready with details such as your name, address, current meter type and number, and gas account information. You may need to provide identification, proof of property ownership, and copies of recent gas bills.

The distributor will assess if you meet the criteria for a subsidised upgrade or need to pay standard upgrade fees out of pocket. Anticipate information on timelines, expenses, and subsequent steps within about 10 business days.

Check out your distributor’s website to download necessary meter upgrade forms. If unsure who your local distributor is, check previous gas bills for their details or read more about your area’s gas distributors online using “[Your suburb or postcode] gas distributor”.

The Site Visit and Installation

A qualified gas fitter, coordinated by your distributor, will perform the upgrade during a site visit. They will contact you to schedule a suitable time and date for the work.

In preparation, make sure all gas appliances are accessible and the area around the metre is clear for the technician. On the day, the gas fitter will:

• Disconnect and remove the old gas metre
• Fit the new gas meter and connect it to the supply lines
• Conduct safety checks to ensure there are no leaks and proper gas pressure
• Ensure meter readings are precise and usage is properly recorded
• Issue a certificate of compliance when the new metre is fully commissioned

The installation of contemporary meters typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours. Brief gas supply disruptions may occur during the installation. All connected gas appliances will need to be relit and tested after the new metre installation.

Upgraded meters provide up to 2% in gas energy savings, enhancing efficiency. Beforehand, alert your distributor if anyone in your home requires an uninterrupted gas supply for medical purposes.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Digital Gas Meter

The transition to a smart digital gas meter offers multiple significant advantages:

• Further precise readings and billing - Digital meters meticulously capture gas consumption, guaranteeing accurate and fair billing for our customers.
• Remote supervision - Gas companies can monitor meter readings remotely, eliminating the need for in-person inspections.
• Improved safety measures - Smart meters quickly identify unusual usage patterns, facilitating the rapid detection of potential gas leaks.
• Detailed usage insights - Customers gain access to a wider range of gas usage statistics through online portals.
• Improved efficiency - Smart meters use cutting-edge technology to improve gas energy usage.

With remote reading capabilities, digital gas metres enable the automatic and regular transfer of metre readings wirelessly to your gas provider. This means accurate billing without the need for manual readings by technicians, allowing you to learn more about your gas usage patterns. You also gain more visibility over your consumption and can better manage usage.

Access and Safety Considerations for Your Meter Upgrade

Ensuring clear, safe access to your gas metre is an important requirement for the upgrade process. You are responsible for making sure the area around the metre is free of any obstructions on the day of installation.

This includes:

• Clearing away foliage, vegetation or debris
• Removing any physical barriers or stored items
• Providing a clear workspace around the metre and gas pipes

Adhering to these access requirements allows the gas technician to perform the upgrade safely and efficiently within the standard 1-2 hour time frame. If access is obstructed, the upgrade may need to be rescheduled to another date.

For everyone’s safety during the metre installation, inform occupants to avoid the immediate metre area. Accompanying children and pets indoors is also advised. Ensure your distributor is notified if anyone in your home depends on continuous gas supply for medical reasons.

How Long Does a Gas Meter Upgrade Take?

The complete gas meter upgrade typically requires just 1 to 2 hours and includes:

• 30-60 minutes for the site visit, old metre disconnection and new smart metre installation.
• 15-30 minutes for safety checks, testing metre accuracy, and relighting appliances.
• 15-30 minutes for the gas distributor to remotely connect and commission the new metre.

However, the overall upgrade time may differ based on elements such as:

• The existing metre type and complexity to remove it.
• Accessibility to the metre and pipework.
• The number of safety checks and appliances to relight.
• Availability of the distributor to remotely activate the new metre.

Once the meter replacement program is complete, you’ll receive a notification signalling the commencement of usage tracking by your new smart meter. Your gas supply may be disrupted for short periods during the upgrade but this is typically restored within the 1-2 timeframe.

Should your circumstances necessitate extended meter work beyond 2 hours, your gas fitter can offer more precise time and cost estimates.

Potential Costs and Fees for a Meter Upgrade

The expenses linked to the gas meter replacement program can fluctuate based on certain specifics. Generally though, you may incur fees such as:

• Administrative fees charged by your distributor for evaluating your upgrade application
• Installation costs if you need to pay for the new gas metre and labour
• Additional charges for any necessary equipment like extensions hoses or piping

In some cases, gas metre upgrades may be subsidised or offered free of charge. Check with your local gas distributor for accurate quotes tailored to your situation. When contacting them, have details like your current metre type, gas usage, and number of appliances powered by gas ready to get the right advice on potential expenses.

Upfront investment in a new smart metre can also pay off over time through more accurate billing and gas savings from advanced metering technology. Discuss all upgrade fees and costs upfront with your distributor before authorising any work to proceed.

Managing Service Interruptions During the Upgrade

A gas meter upgrade usually results in a temporary disruption to your gas service. This allows the gas fitter to safely disconnect your old metre and install the new smart metre.

To prepare for service interruptions:

• Ensure all gas appliances are turned off before the upgrade begins.
• Have alternative cooking methods on hand like an electric hot plate or microwave.
• Prepare hot water using your electricity meter system if feasible.
• Remember that the interruption is usually 1-2 hours maximum.

During the upgrade, avoid turning any appliances on until the gas fitter has relit your appliances, tested gas pressure, and confirmed your supply is restored. Notify occupants in your home on life support or who rely on continuous gas supply for medical reasons to prepare accordingly.

Keep a safe distance from the work area and ensure the technician has access to your property and appliances. With some advance preparation, you can minimise inconvenience during the short but necessary service interruption.

Your Responsibilities After a Gas Meter Upgrade

After the completion of your gas meter upgrade, you inherit several important responsibilities:

• Regularly monitor your new smart meter’s performance and accuracy by reviewing usage readings and billing for any irregularities.
• Maintaining clear access to the metre location by keeping the area free of obstructions that could prevent metre readings or emergency access.
• Testing all connected gas appliances thoroughly to ensure proper functioning and no issues as a result of the upgrade.
• Notifying occupants about any changes in gas appliances, safety procedures, or usage monitoring with the new metre.

You should contact Hurstville Plumbing immediately if you notice any problems with gas pressure, appliances, or abnormal readings after the metre upgrade. Our qualified technicians can inspect your new gas infrastructure and provide solutions as needed.

Upgrading your metre brings responsibilities but our team is always available to offer ongoing support, additional gas appliance servicing, or general plumbing assistance. Call Hurstville Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for help maintaining your gas system safety, efficiency and performance.