Your Natural Gas Meter
A natural gas meter measures the amount of gas consumed by all the gas appliances in a premise. The gas used is measured in cubic meters or cubic feet. However, your gas supplier must bill you on the basis of energy used i.e. kiloWatt hours (kWhs). For domestic gas usage a conversion formula is used to convert cubic meters or cubic feet into kWhs. This conversion formula has been approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The conversion formula can vary nationwide, as the formula depends on the local temperature, pressure and calorific value of the gas.
Meter Types
There are two types of natural gas meter: Digital and Dial. If your meter is digital it will have numbers that you can read directly to get your meter reading. If it is a dial meter it will have a number of dials/clocks which will show the meter reading.
Meter Box/Cabinet
Meters are generally housed in a meter box or meter cabinet located either inside or outside your premises. Meter boxes will usually house one meter and are used for single dwellings (i.e. a typical house). Meter cabinets generally house a number of meters and are used for multiple dwellings (e.g. apartment blocks).
Meter Key
A meter box or cabinet key is usually provided to you when the meter is fitted. If you do not have a meter box/cabinet key, simply call Bord Gáis Networks on 1850 200 694 and we will be happy to send you a key by post. Alternatively you can request a new key by e-mailing Bord Gáis Networks at networksinfo@bge.ie or by using the online enquiry for by selecting "Request Meter Box Key" option from the topic list and providing your postal address and GPRN. There is a slight difference between the meter box and meter cabinet key so please ensure you request the correct one.
We recommend you should;
- know where you meter box/cabinet is located
- keep your meter box/cabinet key in a safe and accessible place
- know how to switch off gas supply handle at your meter in case of emergency