The Energy Bill (2008) received Royal Assent in November 2008 and as part of an extensive list of proposals, technical gas and electricity metering responsibilities were transferred from Ofgem to the National Measurement Office (NMO). Since 2006 most of these statutory functions have been conducted by the NMO on behalf of Ofgem- this was the first stage in creating a single point of reference and expertise for measuring instruments in the UK and ensuring full alignment of UK legal metrology policies, particularly regarding the requirements of the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID). The transfer of statutory duties included the management of the Schedule 4 List, which under the Meter Regulations Act (1998) lists all approved active electrical energy meters that were brought to the market prior to the implementation of the MID. A link to the Schedule 4 List is provided in the further resources box on the right hand side of this web page.
As of 30 October 2006, all new designs of gas and active electrical energy meters must conform to the requirements of the MID in order to be used across the EU (including the UK) for trade purposes (i.e. billing). The MID replaces the former requirements under the GB Electricity Act 1989 and the Gas Act 1986.
Ofgem no longer approves or certifies new electricity meters for use under 100kW or gas meters, and Notified Bodies, designated by EU member States, now undertake this role.