If you’re a homeowner, one of the questions you may have is how much it costs to connect to a gas main in your area. The gas connection cost to a gas main can vary depending on where you live, but there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of what to expect. In this blog post, we will discuss the process and cost of a new gas connection to gas main and provide some tips on how to keep your costs as low as possible.
Get Started
Apply – Either fill in our online application form, or give us a call and we’ll work through your application with you for a new gas connection.
Initial preparation – Decide on your preferred meter location ensuring that there is clear route from the new gas main to the front of the property to lay the service.
Receive quote and make payment – You will have up to 90 days to send in your signed acceptance and pay for the works. When we receive your acceptance, we will contact you to agree the start date for your new connections.
Site visit – We’ll meet you on-site as soon as possible to discuss your requirements and book in a date for the works.
Planning works – On average, it takes 6-10 weeks from payment to carry out your works.
Site preparation – We will give you a call the week before works are due to start to make sure everything is ready.
Works complete – Once we’re finished, we’ll re-turf, re-seed any grassed areas and replant any flower beds if we’ve disturbed them.
How soon can I get connected?
We’re always working to reduce our lead times and to get you connected as soon as possible to national grid. Once you’ve accepted our quote and paid for the service our delivery team will begin planning your work, and works will normally be completed in around 6-10 weeks.
We will always try to offer the earliest date available. If local traffic management or other highway restrictions apply in your area, we will let you know as this may increase the lead time before we can start work.
Information you’ll need
Before you apply for a quote, please make sure you have the following information to hand:
- Full address of the property where the work is needed.
- Property owner’s full name and telephone number.
- Whether there’s any private land (example: garden or driveway) between the property and the nearest footpath or road.
- Where the gas meter will be positioned at the property.
- Distance in metres from the gas meter to the property boundary.
How can I find if there is a gas main near me?
You have two options, but if the property is in close proximity of your neighbours, you may find it easier to ask them first. If they have a gas connection, then chances are, there’s a supply right on your doorstep or very nearby. You will just need a pipe to run several meters to the site which will keep pricing low.
If they don’t have a connection or your neighbours are some distance from your property, your first option is to contact us to check that for you. We will be able to tell you if you have a nearby connection, if it’s feasible and the complexity of the job.
If your area isn’t supplied with gas and is not within 23 meters of a gas main, you could consider getting a pipe laid and connected to the mains but this will put the cost up.
How much will it cost to install a new gas connection?
A connection to the gas grid can provide low-cost energy for cooking, heating and living. You can find gas installation costs here in this cost guide.
Your natural gas pipe installation cost will be affected by your distance from the main grid. The further you are away, the more you pay. The price you pay for a mains gas connection will also depend on any impediments that may lie between your property and the gas supply. Obstacles that could increase costs include roads, other buildings and private land.
Photo below is just ballpark figure:
What could increase the cost?
Once you accept and paid for your connection, there could be additional cost once site survey is done, for example:
The easement is required (gas main will cross third party land)
Additional traffic light is required.
Customer change proposed location for gas meter.
Gas meter moved from standard connection to non-standard connection.
Customer request more connection than what he was quoted for.
Additional costs
If you’re happy to proceed with a domestic gas connection, there are a few additional costs that you’ll need to factor in.
If you are planning to have a new gas central heating system installed, there may be additional costs that you should budget for, including: Removal of old pipework, boilers and other fittings – if you’re replacing an existing system.
If this is the first time for your gas connection you will need to purchase new gas boiler, radiators and finding suitable registered Gas Safety Engineer to connect gas meter to your appliances. It will additional cost for your gas connection.
Benefits of a Mains Gas Supply Connection
There are a few benefits to having a mains gas supply connection. One is that domestic gas prices tend to be cheaper than electricity, so it can save you money on your energy bills. Another benefit is that natural gas is considered to be a cleaner and more efficient energy source than electricity, so it’s better for the environment.
Gas central heating
It is the most popular form of heating in the UK. But what is gas central heating and how does it work?
Gas central heating is a system where natural gas is burned in a boiler to generate heat. The heat is then distributed around the home through a network of pipes and radiators.
With you every step of the way
You may have never arranged a gas connection before and we understand that it can sometimes seem like a daunting and confusing process. We have a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable team, who are passionate about helping you and providing you with services that meet your needs and to guide you through the stages.
It’s easy to get in touch with our Connections Team, just call us on
0800 069 8290 and let us get you connected.
Can I Connect A Gas Supply DIY?
Most people would answer this with an emphatic no – and they’d be right. Connecting a gas supply is not a job for amateurs. Gas is potentially very dangerous, and even if you think you know what you’re doing, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals.
Future of Gas
The government has set a target for the UK to be net zero by 2050. That means reducing harmful CO2 emissions by 100%. Those emissions come from burning fossil fuels like coal, diesel and fossil gas – to power our industries, run our cars and lorries and heat our homes and businesses. We have to find new ways – greener ways – to do these things.
Hydrogen
A guide to hydrogen energy
For those who remember school science lessons, you’ll know hydrogen as the first element on the periodic table. Hydrogen itself is never found on its own, rather as part of more complex molecules, like water.
The great thing about hydrogen is that when it’s burned, it only produces water so there are no carbon gases released when hydrogen is used. And it can be used for heat, power and even fuel for large vehicles like HGVs. Hydrogen holds a lot of energy so it’s great for transporting large amounts of energy to where it’s needed.
But hydrogen isn’t found naturally on its own, it has to be made either through electrolysis or through reforming methane. Both methods can be used in a way that keeps carbon emissions to a minimum.
With much of the UK looking to switch to greener, sustainable energy in the future, we’ve put together some important information to answer your hydrogen questions and explain how we’re playing our part to achieve the UK government’s ambition of net zero by 2050.
The many uses of hydrogen: what is hydrogen used for?
When it comes to energy, hydrogen is one of the cleanest forms you can find; when it’s burned or used in a fuel cell for a vehicle, the only by-product is water. This means that increased use of hydrogen as a fuel will mean cutting down on carbon emissions produced from conventionally used fossil fuels such as gas and coal. In fact, using a hydrogen fuel cell in an electric vehicle is two to three times more efficient than using a combustion engine.
Why hydrogen energy for the UK?
In 2019, the UK emitted 351.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the use of fossil fuels, accounting for 81% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s widely accepted now that this needs to stop and soon. The way we heat our homes, run our vehicles and power our industries have all contributed to climate change. We’re looking for solutions that balance environmental targets with customer needs.
In order to supply the increasing energy demands of the UK, we will need a combination of approaches. Renewable electricity from wind and solar can do a lot. But to reach 100% net zero we will certainly need hydrogen as well, alongside better insulated homes and smarter use of energy. We aim to see electricity and green gas working together in partnership.
Advantages of switching homes to hydrogen
But what are the positives of switching the national energy supply from gas to hydrogen power? Here are a few of the benefits when it is powered by hydrogen:
Zero emissions
As previously mentioned, perhaps the biggest benefit of using renewable hydrogen energy in your home is that you’ll be contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the UK. As the only emission from hydrogen power is water, your home will be heated with zero emissions. Boiler manufacturers are building hydrogen ready boilers now so that your next boiler can work on both natural gas and hydrogen.
Sourced from renewables
Hydrogen can be made with electrolysis using renewable electricity from solar and wind power. This energy can then be stored (unlike electricity) or piped to where it’s needed.
Better air quality
Hydrogen fuel cells can be charged more quickly and go further than battery electric cells. They’re also capable of fuelling larger vehicles like HGVs, buses and ferries and will bring better air quality at the same time.
Nothing changes
If we move to using blended hydrogen to heat our homes you wouldn’t actually notice any difference. Your home would still be heated by a boiler and you could still use the same appliances. Nothing in your everyday life would change.
Domestic gas consumption per customer in the UK
Conclusion
Previous studies have concluded that the optimal economic path to UK decarbonisation includes abandoning the gas network by 2050. We broadly agree that new technologies, powered by alternative fuels, may offer a cheaper alternative to natural gas in the long term. The only economically optimal method of decarbonising the gas supply on a large-scale in our scenarios is to convert the network to deliver hydrogen, for use in micro-CHP fuel cells, instead of hydrocarbon gas.
The UK iron mains replacement programme is replacing much of the gas network with new pipes because of the safety risks associated with aging iron pipes, yet these could be decommissioned shortly after the programme is completed. This investment will not secure the future of the gas network in the long term through infrastructure lock-in. Concerns have already been raised about the economic benefits of the programme and these will only intensify if the distribution networks are to be abandoned. This is one area where making a decision now about the long-term future of the network could benefit the UK financially. Another option for the government is to alter the programme to prepare the network for conversion to deliver hydrogen, which could secure the long-term future of the network; however, more work is required to understand the technical feasibility and economic benefits of this option. The alternative, decommissioning the gas network to reduce CO2 emissions, could increase fuel poverty and put two of the government’s principal energy policies into conflict.
