How to Set Up a New Gas Connection
Looking to set up a new gas connection in your new home? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a new gas supply to your property so you can start using gas central heating and a gas cooker in no time.
Why Would You Need a New Gas Connection?
There might be several reasons why you might want to have a new gas connection in your property. Although it seems like something very standard, like having electricity in your home, a gas connection needs to be planned and installed in your home if it hasn’t been there previously.
Mainly people get a new gas connection because they have just moved property and want to keep their dual-fuel tariff when they move. Some people might want to save money by switching from electric heating to gas and some might want to start cooking on a gas oven.
Whatever the reason, there are some important steps you need to follow in order to get a new gas connection at your property.
Can I install my own gas and electric meter? Generally, no. You will need permission from your energy supplier to be able to install a gas or electric meter. If you do have the supplier’s permission, you would also have to let someone qualified to install it for you.
Learn more about Meters in our guides!
How To Get a New Gas Connection
In order to get a new gas supply at your property, you should definitely make sure you definitely need a gas connection. In some instances, you might not need a whole new gas connection at all, and only need to install a gas meter. Another possibility is your gas might just be capped and you’ll just need to request it to be uncapped.
In any event, you’ll need to know who to contact in order to get your new gas connection sorted.
Who Do I Contact for a New Gas Supply?
Many people believe that they should ring their energy or gas supplier in order to get their new gas supply, but in fact your gas supplier is not the one who manages connections. For your new gas connection, you will have to get in contact with your gas network operator.
A gas network operator is a company that runs the gas infrastructure in your region. This means they are responsible for the pipes that feed your property from the national grid.
Is my gas network operator the same as my DNO? Your DNO is your distribution network operator who just handles the electricity infrastructure in your region. Your gas network operator only manages the gas pipes that lead to your house. Each is a separate company.
Find out more about DNOs in our guide!
Your gas network operator is also the company that is responsible for installing new gas connections. To make the new gas connection process as simple as possible, make sure you have everything you need before calling the distributor:
- Check the map and table below to find out who your gas network operator is.
- Find out how far away the gas mains are. The price could change dramatically the further away your house is to the mains, as the distributor might have to add extra piping, or reroute existing pipes to connect you to the main gas supply.
- You may need a site plan for new builds in order for the gas network operator to plan where pipes will be installed and meet the gas main.
- Don’t forget to get permission from the landowner, if that person isn’t you!
Who Is My Gas Network Operator?
Unlike your gas supplier, you cannot choose your gas network operator. Each company has a regional monopoly in a certain part of the UK so who you have to contact depends on your postcode.
There are four main gas network operators that operate across the country:
Distributor | Area | Customer service phone number |
---|---|---|
Cadent Gas | North West of England, West Midlands, East of England and North London | 0800 389 8000 |
Northern Gas Networks | North East of England, Northern Cumbria, and much of Yorkshire | 0800 040 7766 |
SGN | Scotland and Southern England | 0800 912 1700 |
Wales & West Utilities | Wales and the South West of England | 0800 912 2999 |
How Much Does a New Gas Connection Cost?
There are many variables that will determine the cost of setting up a new gas connection. Here are some of the key factors that can impact the cost and time you will need to spend:
- Distance from your property
If your property is far from the gas mains supply, the cost will increase due to the distance. - Condition of existing piping
If the pipes are not in good shape, it could cost more to deal with any delays or setbacks needed to bring the condition of the mains piping up to scratch. - Third Party Access
If the company needs to access third party property, for instance, neighbours or roads, you will need an access permit to carry out any works. Also, the possibility of making a connection on a busy road and any resulting road closures can be very costly and time-consuming. - Work Needed
How much work is needed and whether third party contractors are required to complete any of it (although you can hire contractors yourself to keep the price down, where applicable).
The average full cost for a domestic gas connection is in the range of £2,500 – £5,000. A new gas connection is usually more expensive to set up than an electricity connection. Gas appliances will often set you back more too, so that’s something to consider. Overall, the initial outlay for gas is higher, but running costs are cheaper, so you'll save money in the long run.
Is a new gas supply worth the cost? Generally speaking, gas is cheaper than electricity when it comes to paying your utility bills. However, the range of tariffs is eclectic, so it pays to research all the deals in the market to ensure you have the best rate based on your needs and lifestyle.
How Long Does a New Gas Connection Take?
If your gas network operator is unable to give you a quote for the new gas connection over the phone, they will arrange for a surveyor to visit your property to carry out an inspection and talk through any work that needs to be carried out.
You should receive a quote by email or post within 6-12 working days of contacting your gas network operator. Should you accept the offered price, you will generally receive confirmation and a planned start date for the work within another seven working days.
Once the work is started, getting your home or business connected to gas usually takes between four and six weeks, though this is dependent on a range of factors.
Do You Have To Pay for a Gas Meter To Be Installed?
A gas meter is not the same thing as a new gas connection. Usually, the gas meter will be installed by your gas supplier and not your gas network operator. To get a gas meter installed, all you need to do is ask your gas supplier, and they will install one for free.
Gas emergency number If your supply is capped but you can smell gas or need to report a gas emergency, call 0800 111 999 immediately. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re moving into a new property and require gas, or if you have previously capped your supply and now want a gas connection once again, you’ll need to check where the cap is to work out who to contact.
- If the meter is capped on the incoming gas pipe or the emergency control valve, then you need to contact the gas network operator in your area to find out why this has been done.
- If the cap is on the internal pipework, you (or your landlord or managing agent) will need to arrange for a gas safe engineer to take it off.
How To Find a Gas Supplier
Since the distributors don’t actually own, meter or sell any gas, once you’ve got your new gas connection hooked up, it’s time to start searching for an energy supplier that best meets your requirements. This is the company that will be responsible for connecting your meter and sending you your bills.
Everyone has different needs when it comes to energy. The important questions to consider when choosing a gas provider are:
- How much gas are you (and your family) likely to use?
- Do you prefer to pay ahead of time for your gas each month and know in advance what you’ve spent or do you prefer to wait until you receive a bill?
- What’s your driving factor when choosing a tariff ? Price or customer service and reputation?
From a financial perspective, it certainly pays to use gas for your heating and cooking, if you factor in the cost over a long period of time. Although it is initially more expensive to set up than electricity, a new gas connection will ultimately save you money on your utility bills.