Who owns what
A short move – within a metre or two, without moving the cut-out – can sometimes be done by your supplier alone. Moving the meter further, to an external box or a different room, usually means the DNO has to move the cut-out and service cable too.
| Part | Owned by | Who moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Service cable and cut-out (main fuse) | Distribution Network Operator (DNO) | DNO |
| Electricity meter | Your energy supplier (or meter operator) | Supplier |
| Meter tails and consumer unit | You | Your electrician |
Who is responsible for each part of the supply
The usual process
The electrician will often install a new consumer unit or an isolator switch at the same time. See who to call: supplier, network or electrician and consumer unit upgrades explained.
- Decide where you'd like the meter to go – an external meter box is often best
- Contact your DNO for a quote to move the cut-out and service cable
- Contact your energy supplier to arrange moving the meter
- Book your electrician to move the consumer unit or extend the meter tails
- Coordinate dates so the power is off for as short a time as possible
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During extensions and renovations
If the meter is on a wall that will become internal after an extension, or inside a cupboard being removed, plan the move early. DNO work can take several weeks to arrange. The supply may need temporary rerouting during the build. Mention it in your first conversation with the extension team and the electrician. See extension electrics.
Typical costs
Prices depend on distance, digging and whether the service cable needs replacing. Speak to a local electrician to coordinate the work.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Short move by supplier only | Free – £150 |
| DNO moving cut-out and service cable | £500 – £2,000+ |
| External meter box supplied and fitted | £150 – £400 |
| Electrician's work (tails, isolator, consumer unit move) | £250 – £800 |
Indicative costs for moving an electricity meter (2026)
