Meter Operators are appointed by electricity suppliers to manage metering equipment including installation, maintenance, and data collection.
A Meter Operator (MOP) is an organisation appointed by electricity suppliers to install and maintain meters. Since 1998, there has been full competition for meter operators in the UK, allowing customers or suppliers to choose their MOP.
The term MOP replaces the older term MOA (Meter Operator Agent).
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation | Fitting new meters at properties |
| Maintenance | Servicing meters at least once every 5 years |
| Data collection | Maintaining Meter Technical Details (MTD) |
| Health & Safety | Inspecting meters every 2 years |
| Replacement | Replacing meters every 10-30 years |
| Role | Fuel | Appointed By |
|---|---|---|
| MOP | Electricity | Supplier |
| MAM | Gas | Shipper |
For half-hourly metered sites (over 100kW demand), a MOP contract is a legal requirement. Key facts:
MOPs can become SIP-accredited (under REC) to:
MOPs must be accredited under the Retail Energy Code (REC) and meet CoMCoP (Consolidated Metering Code of Practice) requirements.
Meter Asset Managers are responsible for the ownership, installation, maintenance, and data management of gas meters throughout their lifecycle.
Electricity Metering Operative accreditation allows organisations to install, replace, repair, and maintain electricity metering equipment under the REC.
Safe Isolation Provider accreditation enables Metering Equipment Managers to legally de-energise and re-energise electricity supplies without DNO appointments.
The MPAN is a 21-digit reference identifying electricity supply points in Great Britain, with a 13-digit core used for billing, switching, and industry communications.