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Installing your meters
Once your electricity supply has been contracted with First Utility, we will contact you to arrange an installation date. Our target is to install your smart meter within 30-45 days of your supply start date. Our meter fitter will need clear and safe access to your electricity meter.
Questions about installation
- What time of day can the meter(s) be installed?
Our standard installation times are between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. We can carry out installations outside these hours in special circumstances when requested, however a fee may be charged.
- Does the electricity need to be turned off while the meter is exchanged?
Yes. Your electricity will be disconnected for approximately 60 minutes whilst the meters are exchanged.
- I have multiple business sites, how does the smart meter installation process work?
If you have more than one site then we aim to complete all installations within 60 days. You will need to nominate a contact person at each site who will liaise with First Utility to arrange installation. The site contact will be advised the day before installation takes place of the work to be carried out. Our meter fitter will need clear and safe access to your electricity meter to fit the new smart meter. Good planning removes the risk of an aborted site visit and ensures you won’t incur an aborted site visits cost of £65 + VAT.
- Are there any reasons why a smart meter may not be able to be fitted?
Unfortunately on rare occasions we may be unable to fit a smart meter if the signal strength in your area is weak. On the day of installation, the meter fitter will first test for mobile coverage to ensure that your premises can accept smart metering. On the very rare occasion that we are unable to establish communication due to poor mobile network coverage we will be unable to install the smart meter at your premises. Unfortunately we are unable to detect this until we actually visit your premises. If there is a weak signal, or no signal at all, a high gains aerial can be attached to the meter to provide a boost and bring the meter into range. Costs vary between £40 and £80, depending on the strength required. If we are unable to receive any communication from the meter we will allow you to transfer energy supplier.
- Is there a charge for the meter(s) to be installed?
Installation within our standard installation hours is free. Outside of these times it is chargeable as follows:
- 06:00 - 7.59am and 16:01 - 20.00pm £65+VAT per meter
- Saturday and Sunday £90+VAT per meter