Installation of Commercial Electricity Meters
We collaborate with numerous UK suppliers and meter operators to ensure your commercial electricity meter installation is completed swiftly and efficiently. Plus, you might qualify for a free meter installation when you switch suppliers through us!
How to Evaluate Business Gas Rates and Change Providers
Compare prices
Simply enter your postcode and we’ll find your meter and usage to give you the latest business gas prices
Select your supplier
Select the gas rates that are right for your company – you can even stick with your current business gas supplier.
We’ll handle the switch
We look after the switching process and you’ll be updated on every step of the way.
Initiate Your Business Electricity Meter Setup with STS Energy
Meters play a vital role in managing your electricity consumption. Installing the right electricity meter can help you lower your bills by minimizing energy waste.
To begin the installation of your electricity meter, you’ll need your Meter Point Administrator Number (MPAN). This number is used to identify the electricity supply for your property and can typically be found on your meter or a recent bill.
It’s essential to think about the type of electric meter that suits your needs, as there are often more options available for electricity meters compared to gas meters. This may include half-hourly meters for larger businesses and multi-rate meters.
Once you complete your business electricity meter installation with us, our team is available to help you choose the best meter option for your requirements.
To get started, simply fill out our user-friendly meter installation form. We strive to finish your meter installation in as little as two weeks.
How Your MPAN Status Influences Your Electricity Meter Installation
Your MPAN status indicates the current condition of your electricity meter. It informs you whether your meter is prepared for supply or if additional work is necessary to access the supply.
Your MPAN status can fall into one of four primary categories:
- Live
- Disconnected
- New
- De-Energised
If your electricity meter is active, it is installed and ready for use. This means you can compare electricity offers to identify the best tariff for your meter.
If your electricity meter is inactive, your MPAN will not be reused since the service cable has been removed. This means you’ll need to contact a network operator to set up a new cable. After that, you will be scheduled with our Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and assigned a new MPAN.
Once you have your new MPAN, you can initiate your electricity meter installation with STS Energy.
If a new MPAN has been generated for your meter but it still requires information such as Profile Class and a Meter Time-Switch Code, your meter will be classified as ‘new’. The service cable may not yet be installed, but plans are in place for its installation.
If your meter is in this new status, you can reach out to STS Energy for competitive quotes on electricity meter installation. Our team will assist you throughout the process of installing your new meter.
If your meter is de-energized, the meter fuse has been removed, even though the service cable remains in place.
A de-energized meter has been taken out by the supplier from the premises. Any business with a de-energized meter will need to reach out to the supplier that removed the meter. Your supplier will then initiate the process to restore the electricity meter.
What Types of Commercial Electricity Meters Are Offered?
Selecting the appropriate electricity meter for your business can help you effectively manage your bills and energy consumption.
Below are some common types of business electricity meters and how they function.
Standard Electricity Meters
Businesses with a standard, single-rate electric meter are charged at a flat rate for their usage. This is typically the choice for businesses that consume most of their energy during peak hours.
However, this approach is not the most efficient for monitoring commercial electricity usage, as it requires manual readings.
The most prevalent type is the Economy 7 meter, which offers a reduced rate during a 7-hour window. Businesses can also opt for a three-rate meter, which provides a daytime rate, an evening and weekend rate, and a night rate.
Multi-rate meters are usually installed for businesses that use the majority of their energy outside of peak hours.
Smart Meters for Commercial Use
Smart electricity meters are designed to provide much more precise readings.
These meters automatically send readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for estimated billing. This means you will only pay for the energy you actually consume.
Electric smart meters can be an excellent choice for small businesses that do not qualify for a half-hourly meter. Commercial smart meters still provide the advantage of automatic readings, helping you manage your energy usage and expenses effectively.
The accurate and frequent readings from a smart meter can also be advantageous when conducting a business energy audit. With up-to-date and precise readings, you can easily determine how much electricity you’re using and identify peak consumption times.
Additionally, commercial smart meters are often installed at no cost to you, as your electricity supplier covers the installation expenses.
Business Gas FAQs
The cost of installing your electricity meter typically depends on the type of meter you need and the current condition of your existing meter.
When you consult with the experts at STS Energy, we can offer guidance on the best meter for your needs and any necessary site work prior to installing your new meter.
In many instances, you may qualify for free electric meter installation when you switch your business electricity supplier to us.
To install a new commercial energy meter, you will need your MPAN. If there is no existing connection at your premises, you must contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO will establish the energy connection and issue your MPAN.
The team at STS Energy can offer guidance on how to arrange a new connection at your location.
If you have a half-hourly electricity meter, it is a legal requirement to appoint a Meter Operator (MoP) and a Data Collector (DC). Your MoP contract will include meter maintenance, fault resolution, and the necessary telecommunication infrastructure to deliver your consumption data to your chosen supplier.
At STS Energy, we can help you appoint your MoP. We collaborate with one of the UK’s largest energy data management providers to secure an MoP contract at a significantly lower cost than what you’re currently paying your supplier.
Businesses with multiple locations often have several electricity meters, each with different contracts and varying end dates. This can make it challenging to manage your energy bills effectively.
Opting for a multi-site electricity plan could save your business both time and money. Your electricity rates and renewal dates will be combined into a single agreement. Additionally, you may gain enhanced negotiating power, potentially allowing you to access more affordable electricity deals.
If you operate more than one site, please inform one of our connection specialists when requesting your new meter. They can advise you on whether transitioning to a multi-site electricity plan is beneficial.
Code of Practice 5 (COP5) specifies the maximum demand for metering transfers ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW, utilizing a single meter for settlement purposes.
Whether you need a multi-rate meter depends on your business's energy usage. For instance, if your business primarily operates during the evening or at night, a multi-rate meter could help reduce your costs.
However, it's important to remember that while there are cheaper energy rates during certain periods, peak times will incur higher charges compared to other fixed tariffs. Understanding when your business consumes the most energy is crucial to maximizing your savings.
If a business uses a significant amount of energy, it may also be required to have a half-hourly meter. These meters take automatic readings every 30 minutes, which are then sent directly to the supplier. This can assist larger businesses in monitoring their energy consumption, helping them improve their energy efficiency.
Multi-rate meters enable certain businesses to access lower electricity rates during their primary operating hours. These meters are especially favored by businesses that predominantly operate during the night or on weekends.