Gas meters
A gas meter is used to get an accurate measurement on the amount of gas that is used in the home or property and, in some cases, will also report this automatically to the gas supplier.
Gas meters are owned by the gas supplier and can be found in different places in different properties, such as outside, under the stairs or under the sink, so make sure you're familiar with where yours is.
Please do not store flammables near your gas meter.
Some properties have a gas meter that you can top up through a payment card. This will then allow you to use gas up to the value that's on the card.
When you top up your gas meter, please check your boiler, as you may need to restart it.
A standard gas meter is where you don't have a payment card and need to send your supplier regular reading.
These tend to have a dial which will show the meter reading.
Some properties have smart meters, these take regularly readings and send them directly to your supplier, without you needing to do anything.
You supplier may contact you about upgrading to a smart meter, if you would like to do this, you won't need permission from us as your supplier owns the meter.
If new pipework is needed, your supplier will contact us directly so our assets team can work out a wayleave agremeent with them.
We've collected some frequently asked questions around gas meters to help solve regular queries you may have.
No we don't need to be informed, you're welcome to change supplier.
There is a restriction to this if you're on a heat network.
- Some smart meters need to be 'woken' up, you can usually do this by pressing one of the buttons and screen will come on
- If it remains blank, check to make sure there isn't an outage
- If the screen remains blank, please contact your supplier for more advice
If you think you should have gas but don't or if gas consumption is being used quicker than expected, please contact your gas supplier who can help look into this.
If you need a new gas payment card please contact your gas supplier who can arrange a new card to be sent to you.
You can purchase a gas meter box key from most DIY stores.
- If you smell gas in your home, turn the gas off at the meter
- You’ll need to turn your control valve until you can’t turn it anymore
- If you live in a flat, you may have an additional emergency control valve, which needs to be turned off. You’ll need to turn the handle, so it’s across the pipe work
- Once you’ve turned your gas off at your meter, call Southern Gas Networks on 0800 111 999
- You’ll need to open your windows and doors, not use any electrical switches and leave the property immediately until they arrive
- Make sure to avoid naked flames from lighters/matches
- Their engineer will check the safety of your gas supply and appliances
Please speak to your gas supplier who can look into this with you.
Your gas meter may need to be repaired, please speak to your gas supplier who can get this sorted for you.
Make sure that your gas meter has credit on it and your gas supplier isn't working in the area.
If VIVID are responsible, please get in touch and we can look into a repair to your boiler.
If your gas meter box is in need of repair due to wear and tear, please get in touch and we can look into a repair. If it's not due to wear and tear, we may look into recharging the cost of the repair.
Gas meter keys can be purchased from most DIY shops and isn't something we supply.
If you're having difficulty paying for your gas or electric, speak to your provider as soon as possible to see how they might be able to help you. We have outlined further potential money saving advice below.
- The cheapest way to pay for gas or electric is by Direct Debit
- You’ll be charged more if you have a pre-payment or key meter
- You’ll be charged even more if you pay by standing order or pay when you get a bill
- You can ask for ‘emergency credit’ if you use a prepay meter and can’t top up
- Let your provider know that you can’t afford to pay you must be offered a payment plan you can afford
- Find out if you're eligible for the priority service registration – a free support service if you are in a vulnerable situation. Check if you can get a grant to help pay off your energy debt – seek advice as you need to be referred
- If the debt has been put on the pre-payment meter, you can ask for it to be put on the back of the meter (this reduces how much you pay back every time you top up)
- Scope offer a Disability Energy Service which can provide you with an energy voucher and electric blanket, you can find out more here
- Contact your supplier and agree a payment plan
- If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you may be able to get a grant to help pay it off. Ask your utility provider if they do give grants. Before applying for a grant, you must be registered for debt advice - you can do that here
- If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, you may be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer. Find out more here
- Some foodbanks issue utility vouchers, please check your local foodbank. You'll need to be referred by a professional agency such as Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), your local council or us
- If you've been struggling to pay your energy bills, the Local Energy Advice Partnership gives free advice on keeping warm and reducing energy bills. They can also help you source financial assistance to help with bills. Fine out more here
- In exceptional cases we may be able to help with a utility voucher, but we have strict criteria. Please complete the 'Better off calculator' and submit it via the virtual agent
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Cold Weather Payment
- Warm Home Discount
- Household Support Fund
You can find out more about help with utillity bills in this article.
You can find out who your energy supplier is by visiting Energy Network. They will be able to let you know who the electric and gas suppliers are.
