We Need to change your gas meter!
Important note. The following article relates exclusively to Commercial Gas Meters, not Domestic gas meters. If you have received a letter asking for permission to exchange your domestic gas meter, we suggest you contact your gas supplier who will confirm the validity of the request.
Have you received a letter like this from your gas supplier recently?
There may be good and valid reasons for swapping your gas meter, but don’t simply agree without pausing for thought.
Your current gas meter may be old or inaccurate and needs replacing. The issue is that by accepting your supplier’s request you may inadvertently lock yourself into their solution and it could work against your long-term interests.
Why is this? – Gas meters are owned and operated by Meter Asset Managers (MAM) and not all of them operate the same way. A significant minority guard their asset (your meter), jealously as it produces a long-term fixed income for them.
What’s wrong with that? – Nothing, except it may impede energy management plans you may have in place, or are planning.
How? – Your gas supplier nominates their designated MAM who will exchange the meter and, in the great majority of cases, install an automatic meter reader (AMR). We are in favour of this, but the problem arises as and when you change energy supplier in the future. If you do so, it is likely that you will lose ongoing energy data functionality, and importantly, historical energy data from your gas consumption. There can also be issues with the capability and functionality of the gas monitoring services offered through these supplier-led solutions.
So, what’s the best solution? – The best course of action is to use an independent energy reporting system that continues to provide and store your gas data regardless of who your supplier is.
What should I do? – You have the right to choose your own MAM. This is important because it means that you don’t simply have to accept your supplier’s request. If you receive a letter from your gas supplier asking you to authorize a meter exchange, don’t simply agree. Look for alternatives and make sure you keep your data safe and your independence to manage your energy the way you think suits you best.
Gas Connections offers an advanced gas consumption reporting that can help you save £1,000s.
Why not get in touch.
