This can get pretty frustrating and is something that is often overlooked when planning a renovation.
Are you going to need a new connection? Or moving an existing meter? Or require a new service? Then you had better plan it in and make sure that you investigate any costs involved. Some activities have no charge (e.g. removing or relocating some types of meters), however, others (e.g. new water connection) come with a significant cost.
First step is to work out who you should be talking to! For gas and electricity, the carriers (e.g. Northern Power Grid, Northern Gas Networks) are different from the suppliers (e.g. British Gas, Eon). While the carriers install the pipes and wires to the property, it is the suppliers who provide (and move) the meters.
We had to move the electricity meter as well as changing it to a three phase meter. Bizarrely, British Gas provide the electricity (and not the gas as we had it disconnected) to the property and I had to arrange for them to move the meter. The electricity supply to the property was organised via Northern Power Grid.
The main problem with dealing with the utilities is getting through to the right department. Once you have done this, the rest is usually a breeze and, contrary to public opinion, I have always found the individuals who I deal with as being nothing but very helpful.
Rather than dialling the main number for the Utility (in the case of British Gas 0800 048 0202), search on their website for what you are looking for (e.g. “move a meter”) and see if you can find another number. Today, the main number said there was a 25 minute wait to talk to the next available operator. A quick search online revealed another number 0800 691 1701 that got me through to the correct department. It was answered almost immediately.
Do make sure that you have all of your details to hand. The MPAN number is critical in identifying which electricity meter is being discussed and which supplier is currently responsible for it. Most of the suppliers have access to a national database and can look this up for you, if you don’t already have it. Alternatively, you can contact the carrier for your area and they will be able to supply it (here is the list of the contact numbers for all of the UK carriers).