Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Gas (Meters) Regulations 1983 (“the 1983 Regulations”).

Regulation 4 of these Regulations inserts a new regulation 3(1)(cc) into the 1983 Regulations to prescribe standards for new designs, mainly electronic-based, of domestic gas meters. The regulation also includes consequential amendments.

Regulation 5 of these Regulations inserts a new regulation 3A into the 1983 Regulations to deal with the importation of gas meters manufactured in another Member State. This provision exercises the power under section 17(1) of the Gas Act 1986 to make arrangements for meters manufactured in other Member States to be stamped by a person other than a meter examiner. The new procedure provides for mutual recognition by the United Kingdom of equivalent standards of controls and tests carried out by other Member States where they have been suitably tested by the metrological authority in that Member State or by a laboratory accredited in that Member State as conforming with the harmonised European Standard of competence (EN 45001).

Regulation 6 inserts a new regulation 3B into the 1983 Regulations to provide for the periodic overhaul of gas meters.

Regulation 7 amends regulation 4 of the 1983 Regulations (re-examination of disputed meters) to extend its provisions to new meters covered by these Regulations.

Regulation 8 inserts a new regulation 4A into the 1983 Regulations to provide for revocation of approval of pattern and construction if defects are found in meters in service or they can no longer be manufactured to approved pattern. This regulation also inserts into the 1983 Regulations a new regulation 4B which creates offences in relation to the periodic overhaul of meters (regulation 6) and the requirement to replace meters (regulation 8).