COST GUIDES
Moving an electric meter cost: 2026 UK prices
Updated 06/26
Need to move an electric meter because it's getting in the way of your planned extension? Or perhaps it's simply in a hard-to-reach spot.
Whatever the case, only your current electricity supplier can move your meter.
Read on to find out about the average cost of moving an electric meter based on distance and the additional price factors to know about.
Fast Facts
Who to hire: Moving an electric meter must be done by your electricity distributor (or their approved contractor), which they will arrange for you
Cost range: Starting at £75-£130 (to move your electric meter 15cm or less) but can climb to £600–£1,000 (to move to a different wall)
Time to arrange: Allow up to five weeks lead time
What is the cost of moving an electric meter?
| Description | Average cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Move your electric meter 15cm or less | £75-£130 | 1-2 hours |
| Move your electric meter up to 3m | £300-£600 | 3-4 hours |
| Move your electric meter to a different wall | £600–£1,000 | 4–6 hours |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
The first thing to know about the cost of moving an electric meter is that you can't shop around for quotes on the meter move itself.
Prices are set by your electricity distributor, not a private tradesperson.
But what we can help with are some average costs to help you budget for the job. Let's get into it.
Cost of moving an electric meter: By distance
Exactly how much you'll pay to move a meter is based on distance.
Here's some average prices to help you budget:
Move your electric meter 15cm or less - Costs £75-£130 and takes 1-2 hours
Move your electric meter up to 3m - Costs £300-£600 and takes 3-4 hours
Engineers carry out the work on behalf of the electricity distribution board or supplier. If you need to plan your building works around the job, allow a lead time of around five weeks.
Additional costs to consider
1. Moving an electric meter to an outside wall
Moving your electric meter to an outside wall is a common request during renovations. It frees up internal space and makes meter readings easier.
Expect to pay £600–£1,000 and allow up to five weeks lead time.
Why people choose an outdoor move:
The meter is in an awkward spot inside (behind units, in a cupboard, under the stairs). You're renovating the kitchen or utility room and want to reclaim the space. Or an outdoor cabinet simply makes meter readings more straightforward.
What the process involves:
The electricity distribution company will dig up outside your home to reroute the cable, then fit a weatherproof outdoor meter cabinet on your exterior wall. Your supplier coordinates this on your behalf.
Where to position the cabinet:
The outdoor cabinet should be on an accessible exterior wall, typically near the front of the property. Your distributor will advise on the exact positioning.
2. Repair work:
Once the electricity meter has been moved, some repair work may be needed on the newly exposed area.
If you're comfortable doing it yourself, that can save money. If not, you may need to hire a plasterer or painter and decorator to repair the wall where the old meter sat.
Our painting and decorating guide has more on prices. But for an exact cost, you're always best off speaking to a tradesperson directly.
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To price up for the additional repair work, download our free mobile app.
Moving an electric meter cost: Job estimator tool
Want to learn more about the costs involved? Try our free interactive cost calculator for an instant estimate.
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What affects the cost of moving an electric meter?
The price varies based on several factors. Understanding them helps you budget before you commit:
Distance moved — The further the move, the higher the cost
Indoor vs outdoor relocation — Moving the meter outside requires the cable to be rerouted underground. This adds significant cost and lead time compared with a standard indoor move
Whether your energy supplier or network distributor handles the work — For moves under 3m, your energy supplier arranges it. For moves over 3m, the network distributor gets involved. That's a different process and can mean higher charges
Region — Electricity distributor costs vary across the UK. SSEN, UK Power Networks, ENWL, and National Grid all have different tariffs. Your quote will reflect your local distributor's rates
Associated remedial work — Plastering, decorating, or cable routing inside the property is paid to a private tradesperson, not the distributor
Remember, the costs above sit on top of the meter move fee.
Costs working out more than you hoped? You may be able to have your electric meter moved free of charge if you're on the Priority Services Register, of pension age, or living with a disability. Contact your current energy supplier and ask whether your circumstances make you eligible.
Is moving an electric meter worth it?
There are several reasons why you might need to move your electric meter – some purely aesthetic, some more practical:
Looking to extend your property or add a conservatory, but your electric meter is in the way
Want to upgrade to a smart meter but the current meter is in a hard-to-reach place (behind kitchen units, under the stairs, or inside a cupboard)
But whatever the reason, remember: meters are the property of your energy supplier and only your current supplier can move your meter.
If you want another provider to do it, you'll need to switch your electricity supply first.
Planning broader electrical work in the home? From booking an electrical safety check to planning a full house rewire, we've got everything covered.
Moving an electric meter in the UK: Cost checklist
Before you arrange the work, run through this list:
Electric meter moving cost FAQs
Moving an electric meter yourself (or hiring an electrician to do it for you) is not just inadvisable, it's illegal. Moving your electric meter is notifiable electrical work that must be carried out by your electricity distributor or network. Attempting it yourself risks serious injury and could invalidate your home insurance.
Moving your electric meter to an outside wall is a common request during renovations. It frees up internal space and makes meter readings easier. Your electricity distributor handles this type of relocation, which involves rerouting the cable underground and fitting a weatherproof meter cabinet on your exterior wall.
You may be able to have your electric meter moved free of charge if you're on the Priority Services Register, of pension age, or living with a disability. Contact your current energy supplier and ask whether your circumstances make you eligible.
British Gas and other suppliers don't set their own prices for meter moves — the cost is set by your regional electricity distributor, not the supplier. Your supplier arranges the work on your behalf and passes on the distributor's charge. Contact your supplier for a quote specific to your address.
Moving an electric meter is notifiable electrical work — it must be done by your electricity distributor or their approved contractor. Your supplier will arrange this for you; never attempt to move or tamper with the meter yourself.
Moving an electric meter can take anywhere between one to six hours depending on how far the meter is being moved. The bigger factor is the wait: allow up to five weeks lead time from the date you contact your supplier to arrange the move. Plan your building or renovation work around this timeline.
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