Connecting to the Gas Network

Connecting to the UK Gas Network

If you are developing a property, converting a building, or installing new energy infrastructure, you may need to connect to the gas network. This page provides an overview of how connections work, who is responsible for the process, and what you need to consider before applying.

This page contains information about connecting domestic and commercial properties to the gas network. For information about applying for a connection to the National Transmission System, please visit the National Gas website.

Connecting to the network in Great Britain

When you may need a gas connection
You may need to arrange a new gas connection if:

You are building a new home or business premises
Your property does not currently have a gas supply
You are installing new energy equipment or generation systems

Gas network infrastructure is owned and operated by regional Gas Distribution Networks (GDN). These companies manage the pipelines that transport gas to homes and businesses. To arrange a new connection, you will normally need to contact your local GDN.

1. Contact your local Gas Distribution Network (GDN)

Your GDN will manage the connection to the main network. They will assess your request and provide guidance on the work required.

You will typically need to provide information about:

The location of the property
The expected gas demand
The type of development (e.g. domestic, commercial, or industrial)

The GDN will then review your application and provide a quotation for the work.

2. Receive a connection quotation

The GDN will produce a quote that outlines:

The work required to connect the property
Estimated costs and timescales
Technical requirements

Connection charges are calculated using a methodology approved by the energy regulator.

Connection costs can vary depending on several factors, including:

The amount of work required to extend or connect to the network
The distance from the existing gas infrastructure
The amount of energy required by the property
The location of the site

3. Arrange the connection works

Some parts of the connection work may be carried out by the GDN, while others may be undertaken by independent contractors.

These are sometimes described as:

Non-contestable work: work that must be completed by the GDN
Contestable work: work that can be carried out by accredited independent providers

Separating these elements can help reduce overall project costs in some cases. The GDN may still need to inspect or approve contestable work before the connection is completed.

4. Install the gas meter

Once the physical connection is ready, you will need to arrange for a gas meter to be installed. This is done through an energy supplier, not the GDN.

Your supplier will:

Arrange installation of the meter
Start your supply contract
Bill you for your gas usage

It is recommended to organise the supplier and meter installation at the same time as the connection works to avoid delays.

Changing or altering an existing connection

If you already have a gas connection but need to modify it, for example, moving pipework or relocating a meter, you should contact your GDN first.

If the request involves moving the meter itself, your energy supplier must arrange the work. It is illegal to move a gas meter yourself.

Further information

Apply to connect to the gas network by visiting your GDN’s website:

For guidance on leaving the gas network, see our page on disconnecting from the gas network.

Find out who your GDN is using the tool below:

Connecting to the network in Northern Ireland

More homes in Northern Ireland can connect to the network than ever before. The network is divided into three areas, with a dedicated Gas Distribution Network (GDN) responsible for the pipes and infrastructure in each area.

The three GDNs are:

Phoenix Energy operates the natural gas network in the Greater Belfast and Larne area;
Kinecx Energy operates the ‘ten towns’ network;
Evolve operates ‘Gas to the West’ covering Mid Ulster, Fermanagh, Omagh and Strabane.

To find out which GDN may be able to provide a gas connection to your property, you can use the interactive map of Northern Ireland on the Power to Switch website, which also details the many benefits of gas, the connection process and any support available.

Once you have established which GDN covers your area, the quickest way to find out if your home is eligible to connect to the gas network is to use the postcode checker on the respective GDN’s website. Alternatively, you can find out by completing the Power to Switch form here.