Understanding how to restore your gas supply can help you stay safe and get your energy back on quickly. This guide explains what to check, how to safely re-enable your gas, and when to contact your supplier.
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A quick checklist for restoring your gas supply
- Check for any smell of gas before doing anything.
- Locate your gas meter and emergency control valve (ECV).
- Check your smart meter display for error or low credit messages.
- Ensure your gas supply valve is in the open position (parallel to the gas pipe).
- Turn off all gas appliances before restarting.
- Be ready to contact your supplier if needed.
Before attempting to restore your gas supply, always check for safety risks. If you smell gas, do not try to fix the issue yourself. Open windows and doors, leave the property, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111999 immediately. They will usually send out an engineer who will investigate the issue.
Your gas smart meter records your usage, but the physical control of your gas supply is managed through the ECV. The ECV is usually a lever on the pipe near your meter. When it is parallel to the pipe, the gas is on and when it is perpendicular, the gas is off.
In the image above, the ECV is off on the left as it is perpendicular to the pipe. On the right, however, it is on as it's parallel with the pipe.
Gas supply can be interrupted for several reasons. This may include maintenance, a prepayment balance running out, or the supply being turned off manually. In some cases, the issue may be temporary and resolved by restoring the valve or topping up your meter.
If it is safe to do so and there is no smell of gas, you can attempt to restore your supply. First, make sure all gas appliances are switched off. Then check that your ECV is in the on position (parallel to the pipe). If it was closed, carefully turn it so it is parallel to the pipe. Once opened, wait a few minutes before restarting appliances.
Your smart meter may display error messages explaining why your gas supply is off. For example, prepayment meters may show that your balance is low. If required, follow the instructions on the display, such as "ACCEPT EMERGENCY CREDIT? A = YES B = NO" to re-enable supply.
If your gas supply does not return after following these steps, do not keep trying repeatedly. Check your meter display for any error messages and check your valve is in the on position, then contact your energy supplier for support if your supply is still off.
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What should I do if I smell gas?
Ventilate the property, leave the premises, and immediately call 0800 111999. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself.
How long does it take for gas to come back on?
Gas supply usually returns within a few minutes after opening the valve, if there are no other issues.
Can I restore gas supply myself?
Yes, as long as the issue is the ECV being off, if it is safe, and there is no gas smell. Otherwise, contact the National Gas Emergency Service if you can smell gas or your supplier otherwise.
How can I switch to Fuse Energy?
Switching to Fuse Energy is simple and can be done in as little as 3 minutes by completing the online onboarding process here.
Disclaimer
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.
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