Updated February 2026
A high-quality meter box is built to last, but this doesn’t mean it will last forever. Eventually, it will begin to fail and. a repair or replacement will be necessary.
But who is responsible for that work – is it you, or your energy supplier?
In this post, we’ll answer that question, laying out exactly what your responsibilities are when it comes to the upkeep of your meterbox. So if your meter box is starting to look tired or scruffy, read on to find out if its upto you to address it.
Key Takeaways
- It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their gas and electric meter boxes. This includes repairing or replacing where necessary.
- It is the energy supplier’s responsibility to maintain the energy meters themselves, and only their representatives are legally allowed to repair or replace the meter
- All meter boxes must be fully functioning at all times to protect energy meters, accessible by a standard meter box key.
Why might your meter box need repairing or replacing?
An external meter box is built to withstand the worst that British weather can throw at it. From torrential rain to howling winds and even that rare scorching sunlight, a meter box is built to endure.
However, over time, all meter boxes will start to suffer under these stresses.
With GRP meter boxes, this can lead to the plastic starting to warp or crack as extreme temperatures weaken the plastic. This shouldn’t happen before your meter box is at least a decade old, and usually much older. But it is likely to happen eventually.
While metal meter boxes tend to be more durable, they still have weaknesses. If their paint gets damaged, then water can get into the metal and cause rust. If you spot the damage in time to repair it, you will be fine but left unaddressed, it will get slowly worse.
Hinges, latches and even meter box doors can start to fail just through regular use too. Again, they should long lifespan, but not indefinite. And when they start to break, the quicker you repair them, the less chance there is of a more serious issue arising.
External boxes are also at risk of vandalism. This is not common, but it does happen, and a repair or replacement is necessary to keep your energy meters protected.
Another sign of wear you may notice in your meter box is the surface colour starting to change. Boxes that are exposed to direct sunlight for large portions of the day can start to fade or discolour. However, if this is the only issue you have with your meter box, a replacement is not always necessary – you can try painting your meter box instead.
In most cases, it will be pretty obvious when your meter box is in need of repair. It may look tatty, cracked or chipped, or the door may become loose or even fall off completely. While a tired-looking meter box doesn’t always mean a new box is necessary, it is usually a sign that some form of maintenance is needed.
Who is responsible for replacing or repairing your meter box if it is damaged?
The property owner is almost always responsible for maintaining their meter boxes. This is the same for both internal and external boxes.
Historically, gas and electricity boards owned all meter boxes. This meant the responsibility to replace or repair a broken meter box lay with the electricity or gas supplier. This changed with deregulation, and now it is the property owner’s responsibility instead.
The only exception is if you live in shared or social housing.
If you are unclear whether this applies to you, you can speak to your energy company for further clarification.
Who is responsible for maintaining your energy meter?
It is worth noting that the content in this post applies only to the outer meter box cover – not the meter itself. If you notice any problems or damage with the physical meter, you must speak to your energy supplier. And you should do this as soon as is practical.
You should never try to fix or in any way tamper with the meter. This is illegal and also incredibly dangerous – just contact your supplier as soon as you can.
What repairs can be done on a meter box?
Depending on how your meter box is damaged, there are a variety of repair options you can try. Some are easier or quicker than others.
For example, if your meter box door no longer stays shut, you may be able to replace the lock or hinges rather than the whole door. If the door itself is warped or cracked, you may be able to replace that without needing to buy a whole new box.
If your meter box is starting to look very damaged, is failing in multiple spots, or has developed holes or cracks, it is usually best to fit a new over box.
If you’re unsure what meter box repair is best for your situation, take a look at our meter box repair guide to find out which options are available.
Can I replace my own meter box?
Any homeowner is able to repair or replace their own meter box, as long as they don’t interfere with the meter itself.
We design all our replacement parts and meter overboxes to be quick and simple to install, so you can make necessary updates to your own meter box. With a task this easy, it is rarely necessary to pay for professional help – to see just how simple it is, take a look at our ‘how to’ guides on meter box repair.
What are the regulations when it comes to repairing meter boxes?
While it is your legal responsibility to upkeep your meter box, the specifics of how and why it should be maintained are actually detailed in wider building standards and regulations. The relevant regulations are:
Gas meter boxes:
The 1998 Gas Safety Regulations offer advice on how to protect your external gas meter box against damage, as well as offering advice on suitable designs. The Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers states, “consumers are responsible for gas meter box upkeep. Gas meter boxes can either be installed by the property owner or the supplier. Once installed, the meter box is under the responsibility of the property owner for its maintenance.”
Electric meter boxes:
The most relevant legislation around electric meter box maintenance is covered by the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, which set out the regulations that electricians must follow when they install a meter.
When it comes to the meter boxes themselves, this means that electric meter boxes that are outside the house must be kept in a secure ‘enclosure’ that can only be accessed using a key. A fully functioning electric meter box will perform this job well, but if it gets damaged or broken, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to replace or fix the box to prevent further damage.
What to do if your gas or electricity meter boxes are broken?
All this means that if your electricity meter box or gas meter box gets damaged, it is your responsibility to remedy it. This might mean finding smaller replacement parts such as hinges or repair kits, or even fitting a new overbox to protect the whole area.
Luckily, whatever repair you need to make, here at Repair My Meter Box we stock affordable but high-quality meter box parts to help you get your energy meter properly protected again. Get in touch with us today if you need any help finding the parts you need.