About The Gas Meter
The gas meter is usually located in a metal meter box at the front of your property. It may be in a gas-only meter box or a combined gas/electric meter box.
The gas meter is the property of ATCO. ATCO is responsible for maintaining it as well as the service pipe which brings the gas in from the gas mains in the street to the meter on your property.
Customers have the responsibility of ensuring the gas meter and service are protected from damage, and for enabling ATCO safe and unrestricted access to inspect or work on the network equipment, including the meter and service pipe.
Apply to Disconnect gas service
If you need to disconnect your gas, visit the disconnection form page in ATCO's self service portal via the link below.
how to turn your gas meter on / off
To turn your gas supply OFF, turn gas meter valve to OFF position, located next to the gas meter, usually inside gas meter box . See black diagram
To turn your gas supply ON, please follow the steps below:
1. Ensure all gas appliances are turned off
2. Turn gas meter valve to ON position; located next to the gas meter, usually inside gas meter box. See blue diagram
3. Observe gas meter dial which should move and stop within 15 seconds.
Note: If the gas meter dial is still moving after 15 seconds, then turn gas meter valve to OFF position (see diagram above), as you may have a gas leak inside your home. DO NOT PROCEED TO STEP 4 and arrange for a licensed gasfitter to check gas piping / appliances in your home.
4. If the gas meter dial has stopped moving within 15 seconds, relight gas appliances following manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION: Always follow manufacturer's instructions in regard to waiting time requirements between relighting attempts so as to allow unburnt gas to dissipate.
5. The first appliance you light may take slightly longer to light while the gas flows from the meter. Once alight, let it burn for at least three minutes to allow the gas to flow fully. If you have a gas cook top, this can be the easiest appliance to relight first.
6. Restore gas to your other appliances by following the manufacturer's instructions for turning on and lighting the pilot flame. Instructions are usually located inside the access panel.
Reading your meter
ATCO owns the gas meters which are installed in a specially designed box and easily accessible for our meter reading staff The gas meters record the volume of gas used, measured in cubic meters.
ATCO must be allowed access to your meter box at all times so that readings can be made and the connection and disconnection of supply can be carried out.
After the meter read process is complete ATCO pass on the usage information for the household to the retailer. The retailer will then either email or post the completed bill to the residential address.
Typical meter dials
Report a Smell of Gas
WHAT IS A MIRN?
A Meter Installation Registration Number (MIRN) is a unique number allocated to your property address. Your gas retailer may then use your MIRN to identify your address, and this number will also appear on your gas bill.
Information about upgrading appliances
If you upgrade any of your gas appliances, or wish to install additional gas appliances, you may require an upgrade of your gas meter or service pipe.
Click the link below to find out why you may need to upgrade your gas meter or gas pipes, how your gas fitter will determine what upgrade works are required, and why your gas appliances require safe gas pressure.
Gas Meter Replacement Programme
Did you receive a Gas Meter Replacement Programme Letter? As the letter states, as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring our customers enjoy a safe, reliable and affordable gas supply, we are required to replace old gas meters.
Gas meters are required to be replaced according to the Gas Standards (Gas Supply and System Safety) Regulations 2000, r.16.
One of ATCO’s team members will be visiting your home usually within two to four weeks of you receiving the letter to replace your old gas meter and carry out a mandatory tightness test on your gas supply pipework. To do this we will need to temporarily turn off your gas supply. You don’t need to be home when this work is carried out.
Once your new gas meter has been installed we will conduct a tightness test on the new appliance including the meter control valve, our service pipe and your gas supply pipework. If a leak is detected between the meter and the appliances in your home, the Gas Regulations prevent us from restoring your gas service. You will need to engage a registered gas fitter to locate and repair the leak before the gas supply can be restored.
Common Questions
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WHO IS ATCO?
ATCO owns and maintains the natural gas distribution network in Western Australia, which includes more than 14,000km of gas pipes and the gas meters on residential, business and industrial premises.
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DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE NEW METER?
No. Your new gas meter will be supplied and installed free of charge.
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WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
After the meter has been replaced, you will be required to relight your appliances. If you have trouble relighting your appliances, please call us on 13 13 56 and we will arrange for one of our team members to assist you. If you are home we’ll help you restore your gas supply before we leave.
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DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WHEN THE WORK IS CARRIED OUT?
No, you don’t need to be home when this work is carried out. We will leave a card in your letterbox to let you know we have checked your gas meter. If you are home we’ll help you restore your gas supply before we leave.
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WHAT HAPPENS TO THE OLD GAS METER?
We will safely dispose of your old meter.
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HOW LONG WILL THE WORK TAKE?
On average it takes no more than one hour to install a new gas meter. The work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm.
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HOW LONG WILL I BE WITHOUT GAS IF A LEAK IS DETECTED BETWEEN THE METER AND MY APPLIANCES?
Most leaks are repaired within 24 hours. The sooner you engage the services of a licensed gas fitter, the sooner you’ll have the gas back on. If you need the details of a licensed gas fitter go to: masterplumbers.asn.au
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WHAT IS A MIRN?
Once your gas meter is installed, a unique Meter Installation Registration Number (MIRN) is allocated to your property address. Your gas retailer may then use your MIRN to identify your address, and this number will also appear on your gas bill.
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IF A GAS LEAK IS DETECTED BETWEEN THE METER AND MY APPLIANCES, WHY CAN’T ATCO REPAIR IT?
ATCO owns and operates the gas infrastructure that runs underground and up to your gas meter. The pipework from the gas meter to the appliances is the home owner’s responsibility. If a problem is detected we cannot fix this for you and you will need to engage a licensed gas fitter at your own cost to carry out the work.
Please visit: www.atco.com/wa-regulation
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WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT THE GAS STANDARDS?
For more information, please call our contact centre on 13 13 56