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A new business gas connection is required when a commercial property needs to be connected to the local gas network for the first time, or where an existing supply no longer exists.
Connecting a premises involves extending the gas network to the site, installing a commercial gas meter, and registering the supply so gas can safely flow to the business. Understanding how the process works early helps avoid delays, unexpected costs, and issues during installation.
Who provides new commercial gas connections in the UK?
One of the most common points of confusion is who actually installs a new business gas connection. Unlike switching business energy suppliers, this part of the process has nothing to do with your business gas supplier.
New commercial gas connections are provided by the organisation that owns the local gas pipeline serving your area. These regional operators are known as Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), including Cadent, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, and Wales & West Utilities. They are responsible for assessing your application, confirming the available network capacity, and installing the pipe connecting your premises to the gas main.
Gas moves around Great Britain through the national transmission system operated by National Grid Gas, but businesses rarely interact with National Grid directly. Connection applications are handled locally by the relevant distribution network.
In some developments, particularly newer business parks or commercial estates, the network may instead be owned by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT). The overall connection process is very similar, although a different network owner manages the infrastructure.
The reason businesses deal with the GDN or IGT first is simple: a new business gas connection involves physical construction work. A gas supplier only becomes involved once the pipework and gas meter are installed and the new gas supply is ready to be registered and billed.
When does a business need a new gas connection?
A business typically needs a new gas connection when there is no existing live gas supply point at the premises. In other words, you are creating a gas connection to the network for the first time or reinstating one that no longer exists.
Common situations include:
- New build commercial premises where gas has never been connected.
- A site extension or redevelopment that needs a new supply point, not just additional internal pipework.
- Converting a property to gas heating or gas equipment where the building has no existing gas supply.
- Splitting one property into multiple units, where each unit needs its own metered gas supply.
- Taking over premises where the gas supply has been removed or permanently capped, meaning there is no active meter point.
- Moving into a unit on a new business park or industrial estate where the network has been laid, but individual units still need to be connected.
If your premises already have a gas meter and a live supply point, you do not need a new connection. You just need to appoint a business gas supplier to take over billing and put a contract in place.
How the commercial gas connection process works
Arranging a new commercial gas connection involves several coordinated stages, from an initial feasibility assessment to the activation of your business gas supply.
While the process can appear complex, most connections follow the same structured pathway from enquiry through to live supply.
Step 1: Initial enquiry and feasibility assessment
The process begins by submitting an application to the local Gas Distribution Network (GDN) or Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) serving your area.
At this stage, the network operator assesses whether a connection is technically possible and what capacity is available nearby.
To submit an application, businesses are typically asked to provide:
- Site address and postcode
- Site plans or building layout drawings
- Expected annual gas consumption
- Peak gas demand or appliance details
- Planned use of gas, such as heating, catering, or manufacturing equipment
- Target project or construction timelines
Providing accurate load information is important, as this determines pipe sizing and whether network reinforcement work may be required.
Step 2: Network design and connection quotation
Once feasibility is confirmed, the network operator designs the connection.
This includes identifying the nearest gas main, determining the required pipe size, and assessing any excavation or traffic management works needed to reach the property boundary.
You will then receive a formal quotation covering the cost of installing the new gas service connection.
Step 3: Acceptance and project planning
After accepting the quotation, the connection moves into delivery planning.
This stage may involve:
- Scheduling excavation works
- Securing permits or road opening licences
- Agreeing on access routes and wayleaves
- Coordinating works with wider construction activity on site
Step 4: Installation of the gas service pipe
The network operator or approved contractor installs the pipe connecting your premises to the local gas main.
This typically includes excavation works from the street or network connection point to the agreed entry position at your property.
Once installed, the connection undergoes inspection and pressure testing to confirm it meets safety and regulatory standards. Testing is carried out in accordance with IGEM standards.
Step 5: Gas meter installation
Before gas can flow to your premises, a commercial gas meter must be installed at the connection point. The meter records how much gas your business uses and serves as the official supply point for business gas billing.
Gas meters can only be installed by a registered gas meter installer, formally known within the industry as a Meter Asset Manager (MAM) or approved meter installation provider. These organisations are authorised to install, commission, and maintain commercial gas meters in line with UK safety and industry regulations.
The meter installer is responsible for:
- Supplying and installing the gas meter
- Ensuring the installation meets safety standards
- Commissioning and pressure testing the meter
- Registering the meter against your property’s Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN)
The meter installation is arranged alongside appointing your business gas supplier, as suppliers work with approved meter installers to ensure it’s installed and registered correctly before activation.
Step 6: Supplier appointment and supply activation
The final stage is registering the new supply with a business gas supplier.
Once registered against your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), the supply can be energised and gas flow safely activated to the premises.
At this point, your new business gas connection becomes fully operational.
How long does a new commercial gas connection take?
The timeframe for a new commercial gas connection varies depending on site conditions, network availability, and permitting requirements. Rather than a fixed installation period, the overall timeline is influenced by several stages across the connection process.
The table below shows typical industry timeframes for each phase of a new business gas connection.
| Connection stage | What happens | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Application review | Network operator assesses feasibility and confirms available capacity | 5 to 15 working days |
| Connection design and quotation | Technical design completed and installation costs calculated | 10 to 20 working days |
| Project scheduling | Works planned, permits secured, and contractors scheduled | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Service pipe installation | Excavation and connection to the local gas main | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Meter installation | Commercial gas meter installed and commissioned | 5 to 10 working days |
| Supply activation | Supplier registration completed and gas flow enabled | 1 to 5 working days |
What affects connection timelines?
Several factors can extend or shorten delivery times, including:
- Distance from the nearest gas main
- Local network capacity and reinforcement works
- Road opening or traffic management permits
- Site access and construction readiness
- Coordination between contractors and meter installers
For straightforward sites located close to existing infrastructure, connections are often completed within 6 to 12 weeks. Larger developments or sites requiring network upgrades may take significantly longer.
How much does a new business gas connection cost?
There is no standard price for a new business gas connection. Costs are calculated individually based on the engineering work required to connect your premises to the local gas network.
The factors below have the biggest impact on the overall cost of a new commercial gas connection.
| Cost factor | How it affects connection cost |
|---|---|
| Distance to the nearest gas main | Longer distances require additional pipework, excavation, and reinstatement works, increasing installation costs |
| Required gas load | Higher demand businesses may need larger pipes or network upgrades to support peak gas usage |
| Excavation requirements | Works involving roads, concrete surfaces, or complex ground conditions increase labour and reinstatement costs |
| Traffic management | Road closures, temporary traffic lights, and local authority permits can add significant additional charges |
| Meter size and configuration | Larger commercial gas meters or pressure regulation equipment increase installation and equipment costs |
| Site access constraints | Restricted access, phased construction sites, or limited working space can extend installation time and cost |
| Network reinforcement | Upgrades to the local gas network may be required where existing infrastructure cannot support new demand |
Appointing a business gas supplier
Once your new business gas connection and meter installation are complete, a gas supplier must be appointed so the supply can be registered and billing can begin.
A supplier can normally be arranged as soon as the site has been issued with a Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) and confirmed meter details. Suppliers will typically require the MPRN, business address, meter information, and an estimate of expected usage to set up a contract ready for the supply to go live.
If a supplier has not been chosen when gas first becomes available, the supply will still be registered within the national gas system, so energy can legally flow to the premises. In these situations, the site is automatically placed onto the deemed or default rates with a supplier. These tariffs are intended as a temporary arrangement and are usually significantly more expensive than agreed contract pricing.
For this reason, businesses are normally advised to review business gas prices and use a business energy comparison service to compare business gas options before activation.
Putting a contract in place before go-live helps ensure the new supply starts at agreed commercial rates rather than at higher default pricing.
New business gas connection – FAQS
Below, we answer the most common questions regarding a new business gas connection.
What is the difference between a new business gas connection and a gas supply?
A new business gas connection refers to the physical installation of pipework linking your premises to the local gas network. A gas supply refers to the commercial contract with a supplier that bills you for the gas you use.
What are the most common issues with new business gas connections?
Delays are often caused by incomplete application information, limited network capacity, permitting requirements for roadworks, or coordination issues between construction schedules and connection works. Access restrictions and late design changes can also slow installation.
Who should manage a business gas connection project?
Businesses can apply directly to the local Gas Distribution Network or Independent Gas Transporter, but many choose to appoint a utilities consultant or connection specialist to coordinate the process.
Managing a connection typically involves network operators, contractors, meter installers, and suppliers, so central project coordination can help keep timelines aligned.
Can I choose my gas network operator?
No. Your gas network operator is determined by location. Each region is served by a specific Gas Distribution Network or, in some cases, an Independent Gas Transporter that owns the local infrastructure.
Can I connect to gas if my area does not have a mains supply?
If there is no nearby gas main, connecting may still be possible, but it may require significant network extension work, which could increase costs considerably.
Where connection is not viable, businesses sometimes use alternatives such as LPG or other heating systems instead of a mains gas supply.
Do I need planning permission for a new gas connection?
Planning permission is not usually required for a standard gas connection itself. However, permissions may be needed for associated construction works, road excavations, or developments taking place as part of a wider building project.
Your network operator or contractor will normally manage permits relating to installation works. Road opening permits are managed under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA).
Can I upgrade an existing business gas connection?
Yes. If your business requires additional capacity, it may be possible to upgrade the existing connection or install a larger meter. The network operator will assess whether the local infrastructure can support increased demand before approving upgrades.
What happens if my gas connection is delayed?
If delays occur, the network operator or project coordinator will normally provide revised installation dates. Delays can affect construction timelines, equipment commissioning, or site opening, so businesses should align connection applications as early as possible within wider project planning.
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