Meters Certification Amendment Regulations 2026: implications for business and UK health and safety law

Meters Certification Amendment Regulations 2026 and UK health and safety law: what businesses must know for compliance

What has changed

The Meters (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend the Meters (Certification) Regulations 1998 to provide for certification of certain meters by type for the purposes of the Electricity Act 1989. Regulation 9A is inserted into the 1998 Regulations, and Schedule 4A lists the meters that will be certified by type.

Who is affected

Organisations that install, operate or rely on electrical meters—such as building managers, energy suppliers, facilities managers and meter manufacturers—will be affected. The changes may influence procurement, maintenance, testing and the ongoing regulatory oversight of metering assets.

Why it matters for UK health and safety law

Type certification aims to ensure accuracy and reliability of energy measurement and meter safety, reducing risks of misbilling or unsafe equipment. It supports governance expectations under UK health and safety law and aligns with HSE requirements for competent management of electrical safety and regulatory compliance.

Key duties for organisations

Review your meter portfolio to identify those within Schedule 4A, confirm whether type certification is required, and engage with manufacturers or suppliers to obtain appropriate type certification. Update risk assessments, maintenance procedures and asset registers. Ensure competent persons oversee procurement and verification, and align any relevant management systems with new requirements. Consider partner support from Synergos Consultancy for risk assessment and ISO 45001 alignment, where appropriate.

• Identify meters in scope of Schedule 4A
• Ensure meters are certified by type where required
• Document certification status in asset registers
• Update procurement and installation procedures
• Provide training for staff and contractors
• Review supplier and contractor arrangements

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Map meters in scope and confirm regulatory references
2. Obtain or verify Type Certification for relevant meters
3. Update asset registers and record keeping
4. Revise maintenance, testing and calibration procedures
5. Communicate requirements to procurement and installation teams
6. Provide training and establish ongoing supervision
7. Monitor compliance and review governance on a regular basis

Enforcement and sanctions

Regulatory changes require clear documentation and governance to demonstrate compliance with UK health and safety law and HSE expectations. Ongoing oversight by competent persons is essential to ensure that metering assets remain compliant.

In implementing these changes organisations may consider engaging with Synergos Consultancy for support with health and safety risk assessment and ISO 45001 alignment: ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management.

Wrap-up: The amendment strengthens control over electrical metering across organisations, promoting safer, more reliable energy measurement. Timely certification, proper governance and proactive management will support regulatory compliance and business resilience.