Gas meter upgrade cost: when do you need one and what does it cost?

Adding a pool heater, ducted gas heating, gas pizza oven or commercial appliance? Your existing meter and service line probably can't handle the extra load — and that's why your appliance keeps short-cycling or failing to ignite. The fix is a meter and/or service upgrade through your gas distributor (AusNet, Multinet or AGN).

Here's what a gas meter upgrade actually costs in Melbourne in 2026 and what plumbers vs. distributors are responsible for.

How to tell if you need an upgrade

Add up the megajoule (MJ/h) ratings of every gas appliance you'll have installed. Compare it to your meter's stamped capacity (look for the diaphragm size — G4, G6, G10, G16). If your total appliance load exceeds about 80% of meter capacity, you need an upgrade. Common triggers: adding ducted heating to a home with only HWS + cooktop, or adding an outdoor kitchen.

Who does what — and who you pay

Your gas distributor (AusNet, Multinet, AGN). Owns and replaces the meter and the service line up to the meter. You apply through them.

Your licensed gas fitter (us). Designs the load schedule, lodges the application, sizes the consumer piping downstream of the meter, installs new appliance points, and certifies compliance.

You. Pay both. The distributor invoices for the meter swap and any service upgrade; we invoice for the application, design and downstream work.

Typical 2026 prices

Item	Typical 2026 price	Who you pay
Application + load design + lodgement	$385 – $650	Gas fitter (us)
Meter upgrade G4 → G10 (no service work)	$650 – $1,400	Distributor
Service line upgrade (15m, no driveway)	$2,500 – $4,800	Distributor

Item	Typical 2026 price	Who you pay
Service line upgrade (driveway involved)	$5,500 – $9,500	Distributor
Downstream consumer piping (per appliance)	$480 – $1,400	Gas fitter (us)
Compliance certificate	Included	Gas fitter (us)

How long does the process take?

Application to meter swap is typically 4–8 weeks if the existing service line is adequate. If the service line itself needs upgrading (buried pipe from the street to the meter), allow 8–14 weeks because the distributor must schedule excavation and reinstatement.

Common cost surprises

Driveway reinstatement. If the service line crosses a concrete driveway, the distributor will saw-cut and reinstate, but premium finishes (exposed aggregate, pavers) are usually charged extra.

Meter relocation. Moving the meter to a new wall or enclosure is your cost, not the distributor's.

After-hours connection. Required for shopfronts and busy roads — adds $400–$1,200.

Frequently asked

Q. Can I keep using gas during the upgrade?

Most meter swaps take 30–60 minutes with a brief gas interruption. Service line upgrades may require a few hours off.

Q. Does an upgrade improve heating?

Yes if your appliance was being starved of supply. You'll often notice instant ignition and stable flame on previously unreliable units.

Q. What about going all-electric instead?

Worth modelling. We give honest advice — sometimes a heat pump and induction cooktop is the better long-term play. Ask for a written comparison.

CALL TO ACTION

Adding a major gas appliance? Call us on 0411 234 567 — we'll calculate your load schedule for free, lodge the application with your distributor, and quote the downstream work in writing.