Where Is My Gas Meter

If you’ve just moved into a new property or are setting up an energy account, one of the first things you’ll need to locate is your gas meter. The gas meter is what records your usage, and suppliers will often ask for a reading to open or close your account accurately. However, finding it isn’t always straightforward — especially in flats, shared buildings, or older properties where meters may be tucked away.

Gas meters are typically installed close to where the gas pipe enters the building. In houses, this is often near the front or side of the property, while in flats or apartments, meters may be grouped together in communal areas, cupboards, or service rooms.

Finding the Gas Meter in a House

In a standard house, the gas meter is often located outside in a meter box. These boxes are usually mounted at ground level near the front door, on the side of the house, or recessed into a wall. If it’s outside, you may need a meter box key to open the panel and take a reading.

If it’s not outside, the meter may be located under the stairs, in a kitchen cupboard, a utility room, or even in a basement if the property has one. The key is to look near where the gas supply enters the home, which is often on the side facing the street or driveway.

Finding the Gas Meter in a Flat or Apartment

In flats and converted buildings, the location of the gas meter can be more complicated. It may be installed in a shared cupboard in the hallway, a service room on the ground floor, or outside the building in a bank of meters. These setups are common in modern developments and blocks of flats where all utility meters are grouped together for ease of access.

If you find several meters grouped together, you’ll need to identify which one belongs to your flat. This can usually be done by checking the meter serial number, which should match the one listed on your energy bill or welcome letter. If you can’t find the meter or confirm which one is yours, your supplier or property manager can help point you in the right direction.

Identifying the Meter Type

Gas meters come in a few different forms. The most common types are traditional analogue meters with a row of dials or digits, and digital or smart meters with electronic displays. Smart meters may be located in the same places as traditional meters but can sometimes be harder to spot due to their compact size. Regardless of the type, the meter will always have a unique serial number and a visible reading, either mechanical or digital.

Being able to identify your meter type is helpful when submitting readings, troubleshooting issues, or switching suppliers. Some smart meters are also paired with in-home displays, which show real-time usage inside the property, but the physical meter itself still needs to be located for setup, maintenance, or verification.

When to Check Your Gas Meter

You may need to locate and read your gas meter for several reasons — setting up a new account, submitting regular readings to avoid estimated bills, tracking usage, or moving house. You might also be asked to provide a reading if your smart meter has stopped sending data automatically or if you’re switching to a new supplier and need an opening figure.

Knowing where your gas meter is — and being able to access it easily — is an essential part of managing your home energy efficiently. It ensures your billing is accurate and helps spot unusual consumption that could point to a leak or faulty appliance.

What If You Still Can’t Find Your Gas Meter?

If you’ve searched the usual places — under the stairs, in kitchen cupboards, outside in a meter box, or in communal areas — and still can’t locate your gas meter, there are a few steps you can take. First, check your most recent gas bill or welcome letter from your supplier, as it may contain a meter serial number and possibly a clue about the installation type. If you’re renting, your landlord or letting agent should know the meter location, and in shared buildings, the property manager or caretaker can usually point you to the correct service cupboard or access panel.

In some cases, especially in older or heavily modified buildings, the meter might be installed in an unusual location — such as behind built-in cabinets, loft spaces, or even external garages if gas supply pipework was extended over time. If your property has been extended, renovated, or converted, the original meter placement may no longer be immediately visible, which is why asking someone familiar with the building is often the quickest solution.

Differentiating Between Gas and Electricity Meters

If your gas and electricity meters are close to each other — which is often the case — you may not immediately know which one is which. Gas meters tend to have a label marked with “kWh” or “m³” and may also be marked with the word “gas” on the display or casing. Electricity meters, on the other hand, usually show voltage or amps and are sometimes connected to a visible consumer unit or fuse board nearby.

A good way to confirm is to turn off your gas supply temporarily (if safe to do so) and observe which meter stops registering. Alternatively, your supplier can confirm your meter serial number and help you match it to the correct device.

Shared Meter Banks and Access Challenges

In larger buildings or apartment blocks, gas meters are sometimes installed in locked cupboards or metal enclosures grouped together for all units in the block. These are often found in underground car parks, basements, utility rooms, or exterior enclosures accessed via a landlord key or code. If this is the case in your property, you may not be able to access the meter directly without assistance from building management.

It’s also common for flats to have multiple meters installed side by side, which can be confusing. If you're unsure which meter is yours, do not guess. Instead, compare the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) on your bill with the one on the meter. This ensures you're giving readings from the correct unit, which prevents billing errors or accidental cross-charging.

Digital, Prepayment, and Smart Meter Variations

Gas meters now come in several different types — including traditional dial meters, smart meters with automatic data transmission, and prepayment meters with a card or key. The design can affect where the meter is placed. For example, prepayment meters are often installed in more accessible locations so users can top up easily, while smart meters may be fitted discreetly near the gas entry point and controlled via an in-home display or mobile app.

Regardless of the type, all meters must be installed according to safety regulations and should remain accessible to both you and any registered engineer. If your meter is in a hard-to-reach or potentially hazardous area — such as high up a wall or behind appliances — you can contact your supplier to ask about a repositioning or accessibility assessment.

Final Word

Finding your gas meter is the first step in staying on top of your energy usage and keeping your account accurate. Whether it’s outside in a box, tucked under the stairs, or hidden in a shared cupboard, it’s worth locating it early — especially after moving in or before switching suppliers. If you’re ever unsure which meter belongs to your property, help is just a call away from your energy provider or building manager. Once you know where it is, checking it becomes part of easy, safe household management.