Meter services

What customers are asking about meter and equipment maintenance services?

• I've got a meter replacement notice from NIE Networks, what does this mean?

  As part of our network investment plans at NIE Networks, we're upgrading electricity meters across Northern Ireland. If you've received a card/letter, you can contact us on the number provided or our staff may call at your home to complete the work or arrange a suitable time. If you're not in, a card will be left to allow you to contact NIE Networks directly via a freephone number to arrange access.

  In some cases, for example, where there is access to the meter in an outdoor meter box or enclosure, it may be changed while you are not at home. A card will be left to advise you that it has been changed.

  All employees working on behalf of NIE Networks carry identification, wear identifiable uniforms and drive marked vehicles. If you are unsure, please read our Quick Check 101 for more information, contact us or get in touch by calling our customer helpline on 03457 643 643.

• Someone has called to replace the meter, is this legitimate?

  As part of our network investment plans at Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks), we have started a programme to upgrade all our electricity meters across N.Ireland. All our metering electricians have completed comprehensive training and are fully qualified.

  All employees working on behalf of NIE Networks carry identification, wear identifiable uniforms and drive marked vehicles. If you are unsure, please read our Quick Check 101 for more information, contact us or get in touch by calling our customer helpline on 03457 643 643.

• The door of my outdoor meter cubicle is damaged, how do I get it fixed?

  In most modern homes, electricity meters are located in an outdoor meter cubicle and is the property of the home owner. If the door is damaged you will need to replace the door or ask an electrical contractor to do this for you.

  You can buy an electricity replacement door or key from most builders merchants, electrical wholesalers or online providers.

  If we find a defect or other safety hazard with the meter cubicle, such as a damaged or missing door, wet/damp backboard we will let you know in writing and ask you to repair the cubicle.

• The electricity meter on my property is loose and has come away from the wooden backboard, what should I do?

  Your electricity trip switches, consumer unit and NIE Networks meter is mounted on a wooden backboard. If there is damage to the backboard please call our customer helpline number on 03457 643 643 immediately as we will need to assess if this is a dangerous situation and if the meter needs urgent repair.

• How do I get my outdoor meter cubicle replaced?

  In most modern homes, electricity meters are located in an outdoor meter cubicle and is the property of the home owner. If you need to replace the consumer unit then you will need to get an electrician or electrical contractor to do this for you.

  NIE Networks will need to temporarily remove the meter and their other equipment from the old board and re-attach it to the new board. To obtain a quote for this work you will need to complete a connection application form for an alteration and submit it to our connections team.

• The backboard for the electricity meter on my property is damp and rotten and it needs replaced, what should I do?

  Your electricity trip switches, consumer unit and meter are mounted on a wooden backboard. You may need to replace the board if it’s old, worn, damp/wet or has been vandalised. You will need to organise your own electrician to remove and re-attach your electrical equipment and fit a new meter board.

  In order to work safely, your electrician may need the electricity to be disconnected temporarily. If this is the case please call our customer helpline number on 03457 643 643, in advance of the work being done. Our metering team (SRU) will agree a suitable date and time to call to your property to arrange this temporary disconnection and reconnection

  Under no circumstances is your electrician/electrical contractor allowed to remove NIE Seals or equipment to complete this work as it is illegal to do so.

• I need to replace my trip switches/consumer unit, what do I need to do?

  The box which houses your electricity trip switches is called a consumer unit and is the property of the home owner. If you need to replace the consumer unit then you will need to get an electrician or electrical contractor to do this for you.

  In order to work safely, your electrician may need the electricity to be disconnected temporarily. If this is the case please call our customer helpline number on 03457 643 643, in advance of the work being done.

  Our metering team will agree a suitable date and time to call to your property to arrange this temporary disconnection.

  Under no circumstances is your electrician/electrical contractor allowed to remove NIE Seals or equipment to complete this work as it is illegal to do so.

• What is a meter board?

  The meter board is usually a wooden board (or it can be other material) that the electricity meter and the main electrical fuse are attached to. The board usually sits on the wall or in an outdoor meter box.

  You may need to replace to the board if it's old, worn, damp/wet or has been vandalised.

  If it needs to be replaced, we will temporarily remove the meter and other equipment from the old board and re-attach it to the new board.

• What is a meter box?

  An electricity meter box (also referred to as an outside meter cubicle) holds the electricity equipment when this equipment is outside the property. The box is designed to protect the equipment.

  The meter box is the property and responsibility of the property owner, however, if the meter box needs replacing, NIE Networks will assist by turning off the power whilst your builder or handyman replaces the meter box. You can buy an electricity meter box from most builder's merchants and online too.