Approval of meters
Electricity meters cannot be used unless the pattern and installation method are approved by regulations.1Meters (Approval of Pattern or Construction and Manner of Installation) Regulations 1998 No.1565; Meters (Certification) Regulations 1998 No.1566 The meter must be tested and approved by a meter examiner appointed by Ofgem. Ofgem has the power to carry out examinations2Sch 7 EA 1989; s17 GA 1986 and prosecute and fine your landlord for failure to comply with these provisions. Gas meters must be of a pattern approved by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority and stamped by, or on behalf of, a meter examiner appointed by the Authority.3s17 GA 1986 Meters are tested in a laboratory by SGS (), although test reports from other accredited laboratories may be accepted in some circumstances. SGS provides a report detailing its findings to you, the meter owner and Ofgem. Ofgem analyses the report and makes the final decision on approving a specific meter type. If your meter works within the legal limits, the report will say it is accurate. If your meter is faulty, the report will say it is inaccurate, stating how far it is outside the legal limits and, if possible, estimating how long this has been the case. You may be able to claim compensation from your landlord for over-billing or agree a payment plan for under-billing.
A supply of gas through an unstamped meter is an offence subject to a fine. The Gas Act 1986 does not state who would prosecute, but presumably, it would be Ofgem or by way of a private prosecution in England and Wales.4R v Stewart [1896] 1 QB 300