The Gas (Meters) (Variation of Fees) Regulations 1990

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations alter fees prescribed by the Gas (Meters) Regulations 1983 (as amended). The fees are payable to the Secretary of State for the examination of gas meters by examiners appointed by him, and for stamping meters as being in conformity with applicable standards. Regulation 3 increases fees payable in respect of time spent by examiners in travelling, preparatory work and dismantling equipment (paragraph (a)), and in respect of the examination of a disputed meter (paragraph (b)); it also increases supplementary fees payable in respect of the examination of certain special kinds of meter (paragraphs (c)—(e)).

Regulation 4 substitutes a Schedule setting out new fees for examining prototype meters and for examining or stamping meters which are not prototypes. The new fees relating to prototypes are 25% higher than those previously in force. The fees relating to other meters represent increases of 15%, except in the case of those meters with the smallest capacity (those generally used in connection with domestic gas supplies), the fee for which is reduced by 10%, and except also in the case of those meters with the largest capacity (exceeding 1600 cubic meters per hour), for which provision has not been made previously. The fee prescribed for meters with a capacity exceeding 1600 cubic metres per hour will not apply in cases where there is a supply agreement providing for a meter exceeding this capacity to be used; such cases are excluded from the scope of section 17 of the Gas Act 1986.