What’s Involved in Upgrading a Gas Meter?

Why You Might Need a Gas Meter Upgrade

Several factors might necessitate a gas meter upgrade:

• Increased gas appliance use - Added appliances such as pool heaters or outdoor kitchens could exceed your current meter’s capacity.
• Outdated technology - Over time, mechanical meters can lose accuracy, whereas digital meters provide improved precision.
• Safety and efficiency - Modern gas meters come equipped with advanced safety features and facilitate detailed usage monitoring to improve efficiency.

Switching from an old mechanical meter to a digital one ensures your home benefits from the latest in meter technology.

Understanding the Gas Meter Upgrade Process

Upgrading your gas metre is a straightforward process that typically follows these key steps:

1. Initial assessment - Contact your local gas distributor to request an evaluation of your existing meter. They will determine if an upgrade is required or recommended.
2. Documentation - Should an upgrade be necessary, you’ll need to fill out the distributor’s application forms, enrolling you in the meter replacement program.
3. Site preparation - Prior to installation day, you may need to clear a space around the existing metre and ensure safe, easy access to the metre area.
4. Metre installation - On the scheduled install date, a technician will remove your old metre and replace it with a new digital smart metre. The gas supply is typically shut off for 30-60 minutes.
5. Restart and test - Once the new metre is installed, The technician will then restore your gas supply, relight necessary pilot lights, and ensure your appliances function correctly.
6. Follow-up - In the subsequent days, ensure your new meter accurately records gas usage and alert your distributor to any discrepancies.

The gas distributor oversees the process from start to finish, managing upgrades, and scheduling to suit your convenience. Upgrading to a smart metre improves monitoring and safety with minimal disruption to your gas service.

Submitting Your Application

To request your gas meter upgrade, complete the application form from your gas distributor and submit it to them. Lodge your application online or visit your local service centre to submit the paperwork in person. Essential documents required are:

• Proof of property ownership or valid rental agreement
• Photo ID for account holder
• Life support registration if applicable

The gas distributor may require further details such as:

• Site diagrams indicating metre location
• Reason for upgrade request
• Details of current gas appliances/usage

To prevent delays, accurately complete all sections, including your address, and attach any necessary supporting documents. Keep a copy of the confirmation.

Need assistance with your gas meter application forms? Our Jannali Plumbing team can help.

Distributor Processing Times

Once you submit a gas metre upgrade application, there are typical timeframes to expect before the installation occurs:

• Application processing - Most distributors will review your paperwork within 5-10 business days. Complex applications may take up to 15 business days.
• Scheduling the upgrade - Expect to have a metre installation date confirmed within 15-30 days from application approval. Upgrades for properties with life support equipment are prioritised.
• Installation day - Meter replacement generally spans 1-2 hours. The gas will be off for 30-60 minutes, followed by the technician relighting appliances.

Preparing Your Site for Installation

Adequate preparation of your site ahead of the gas metre installation is crucial for a smooth upgrade process. Here are key steps to take:

• Clear access - The area around your existing gas metre must be free of obstructions, with at least 1 metre clearance, for the technician to work safely.
• Secure pets - Restrain dogs/cats and confine indoor pets to avoid escape.
• Parking - Ensure suitable street access or driveway space is available for the installation truck.
• Metre protection - Safeguard your gas pipes and metre from theft or damage by securing boundary fences.
• Access permissions - Provide authorised access if metre is behind locked gates or doors.
• Restore site - Rectify any damage by gardening or landscaping to clear space for equipment.

Proper site preparation ensures the gas meter upgrade is executed efficiently and safely. Contact Jannali Plumbing if you need assistance.

Completing the Gas Meter Installation

Once the site is fully prepared and accessible, the gas technician can complete the metre installation process efficiently. This involves several key stages:

1. Shutting off the gas supply - The technician will first shut off the supply to your property at the street mains, preparing to upgrade your gas system. Supply is typically off for 30-60 minutes.
2. Removing old metre - They disconnect and extract your outdated mechanical metre. The pipes are sealed during removal.
3. Installing new metre - The digital smart metre is mounted to the gas pipes and secured. Pressure and connectivity testing occurs.
4. Restarting gas supply - Gas supply is restored once the safety checks are completed and the new metre activated.
5. Relighting appliances - Your gas appliances like heaters and hot water will now need to be relit by the technician where required.
6. Usage testing - The metre will be checked to verify it records your home’s rate of gas consumption accurately.

The technician ensures safety and minimal disruption throughout the meter replacement process.

Timelines and Costs

The duration of a gas meter upgrade is influenced by various factors:

• Application and approval - As noted earlier, allow 2-4 weeks for distributor processing of paperwork and installation scheduling.
• Equipment availability - Most upgrades take place within 30 days of approval but may be longer if specialised metres are required.
• Technician schedules - Installations usually happen within a month but peak seasonal demand can extend the wait time.
• Complexity - Factors like challenging access, heritage constraints, and unique safety requirements might prolong the process.

Standard meter upgrades are covered by the distribution company, though additional charges may incur for:

• You need specialised metre equipment beyond standard digital smart metres
• Installation requires significant modification to pipework or fittings
• Special site safety measures or access platforms/scaffolding are necessary

Fees for meter downgrades typically range from AUD 140 to 240, inclusive of labour, but costs differ across providers. For precise charges, contact Jannali Plumbing.

Special Considerations

Upgrades at properties with registered life support equipment need careful planning, due to the health risks associated with gas supply interruptions.

If the property has equipment like oxygen concentrators, ventilators, or dialysis machines that depend on gas for power, the distribution company will:

• Prioritise and fast-track the metre upgrade application
• Schedule the installation with priority and outside of peak demand periods
• Ensure shortest possible gas supply shutdown during the upgrade (less than 30 minutes)
• Immediately restore supply and relight appliances once the new metre is activated

It’s crucial for residents to have an emergency plan for possible prolonged outages during upgrades on properties with life support equipment.

If your property has added multiple new gas appliances, an upgrade may be necessary to increase supply capacity. Things like pool heaters, outdoor kitchens, and hydronic heating can cumulatively overload an outdated metre.

For safety assessments on life support-related equipment or after installing multiple appliances, consult with Jannali Plumbing.

Introduction to Digital Gas Meters

Traditional meters, with their mechanical dials, are used to measure and display both electricity and gas consumption. But digital smart metres represent the newest advancement in gas metre technology.

This eliminates manual readings as the data is securely transmitted to your provider for accurate billing.

Key benefits of upgrading to a digital smart metre include:

• Accurate readings - Electronic sensors meticulously track gas usage, reducing the margin of error.
• Connectivity - Digital metres securely send usage data directly to your gas retailer for streamlined billing.
• Leak alerts - Built-in sensors can detect potential gas leaks and automatically shut off supply.
• Enhanced safety - Up-to-date metres meet all current safety regulations.

If recommended an upgrade, Jannali Plumbing can ensure you get the most advanced gas meter technology for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upgrading your gas metre often leads to some common queries. Here we address some of the key questions around gas metre upgrades:

Will I have gas during the upgrade?

The gas supply will be temporarily halted for 30 to 60 minutes during the meter swap. A technician will relight your appliances once the new metre activation is complete.

What happens on the day of installation?

Upon arrival, the technician will disconnect the old meter and set up the new digital smart meter, securing it to the gas infrastructure. After restarting your gas supply, the technician confirms all appliances relight and are functioning before leaving.

Do I need to be home during the upgrade?

You don’t need to be home when the installation occurs, but it’s advisable to have an adult present during the 1-2 hour installation, in case property access or appliance checks are necessary.

How will my gas billing be affected?

New digital metres provide very precise gas usage readings. You may notice small variations from previous bills as a result, but your overall costs should align with your actual consumption patterns.

Who can I contact for more information?

Reach out to our team at Jannali Plumbing, who are ready to assist our customers with planning a meter upgrade or seeking advice on the process involved.