New Gas Connections

HOW CAN I GET A NEW GAS CONNECTION?

There is nothing like experience to get the job done fast. From start to finish, you will be in good hands thanks to our years of experience as energy specialists to many leading businesses. Do you need a new gas connection, pipework and/or gas meter?

Contact our gas connections team now

Why work with us?

Nothing to lose - Free quotation available with no obligation
Certified - ISO14401 and ISO9001 Certified. All installers are GIRS and Gas Safe Certified
Competitive price - Competitive valuing with feasibility study available if needed
Project Management - Full work can be project managed from start to finish

We provide a tailored service to guide you through the process with a dedicated account manager to keep you up to date and help you manage the whole process.

When you choose our services, you can have confidence that we will get the work completed quickly and efficiently, and importantly, cheaply!

Domestic meter installations are usually free of charge via the supplier, but a commercial gas connection or meter, for businesses and charities are generally chargeable. A supplier may agree to install your meter, but often charge high prices or increase your tariff to cover their costs.

We install, connect, upgrade, downgrade, remove or move meters.

Our efficient and professional services ensure you are supported throughout the process.

Make sure you are getting best-value by inviting us to quote.

Have you already been quoted?

No obligation Quotation
ISO14401 and ISO9001 Certified
Installation can be project managed from start to finish
Full project management and a dedicated account manager
Our independent service isn’t tied to energy suppliers
We offer some of the lowest rates available

OBTAINING A NEW COMMERCIAL GAS CONNECTION

Moving into existing premises?

Are you planning to move your business to existing premises? If so, you need to plan ahead. It can take time to sort out details. If there are adequate services already on site then all you need to do is undertake a Change of Tenancy (COT), but firstly, you will need to identify your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN).

What is MPRN?

A Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is a unique number assigned to every single gas supply point in the UK and is used to identify individual gas supply points. They are made up of numbers only and don’t contain any letters. The format of an MPRN is quite standard and consists of between 6 and 11 digits.

The MPRN is for Gas Supplies only and should not be confused with MPAN which is for electricity.MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number.

The MPRN is NOT the meter serial number.

Sometimes the MPRN is referred to as a M Number or Meter Point Reference.
If the MPRN starts with 74 or 75 you should be aware that gas is piped to your property by an Independent Gas Transporter.

This may have an adverse effect on the price you pay for gas as some gas suppliers charge a premium rate to customers served by an Independent Gas Transporter.

How do I find my MPRN?
Your MPRN should be printed on your gas bill. Most suppliers print the MPRN on the first or second page of their gas bills.

Your MPRN should not be confused with your gas supplier account number or the meter serial number printed on the meter itself. Some very recent gas meter installations have the MPRN clearly identified on the meter itself although this practice is quite rare.

If your MPRN is not printed on a recent gas bill or if have just moved into a property and do not yet have a gas bill, you can find your MPRN by:

Calling Transco’s MPRN helpline on 0870 608 1524. (Transco can only provide details of MPRNs that do not belong to Independent Gas Transporters).
Get in touch with Touchstone who can find it for you.

What does MPRN look like?

The MPRN is formed of a series of numbers.

METER POINT REFERENCE
1572923101

Be sure to enter into a gas supply contract before taking over the premises, otherwise, you could find yourself on high ‘deemed’ (out of contract) rates for 3 to 4 weeks if you change supplier. It’s always best to compare tariffs from a variety of suppliers as the incumbent supplier may feel no compulsion to offer preferential prices.

Moving into a brand new building?

If utilities have not been installed prior to taking possession, then you will need to organise this yourself. You will need to establish your site demand as well as think about a gas supply contract. Delays in getting services installed can be costly and hold up progress throughout the project, so planning and acting ahead of time is vital.

Refurbishing, expanding, or upgrading?

Are you moving into, refurbishing, or expanding your business premises? If so, your demand may well change, and this may require a higher capacity meter or an increase in pipework capacity. We routinely upgrade meters, infrastructure, and connections for large and small businesses so you can be confident your project will be well managed.

Leaving one property and moving to another?

Suppliers could impose early termination fees if you leave in the middle of your current contract. Be sure to contact your current energy supplier and provide at least one month’s notice of your planned moving date.

Take meter Readings when you leave and when you enter.
It’s important to take meter readings for all utilities of both your old and future premises, on the day leave and the day you move in. You should be prepared to pay a connection charge when connecting to a new property.

MOVING A GAS METER

Moving your gas or electricity meter usually, involves turning off the supply’s source to your property. For safety reasons, we cut into the pipeline two meters clear of your property and then divert it to your new position.

How do I apply to move my gas meter?

Once the pipework has been redirected to its new location the meter can be re-fitted and linked to the inner copper pipeline.

Within our proposal, we will arrange a suitable day with you to make the necessary preparations ready for your meter move work to begin. On the day, we will arrive and complete the modification. If demanded, your current meter will at that time be re-installed after a following visit from our metering engineer.

How long will moving my gas meter take?

Until we understand your requirements its hard to be specific. However, a general rule of thumb would be in the region of 4 to 6 weeks. Once pipework is completed the meter reinstatement is typically completed within five working days of our team finishing work.

Will I lose my gas supply?

Inevitably, there will be disruption to your supply. However, we work hard to ensure there are no undue delays. We try to ensure there is no interruption to your plans and we will work around your schedule.

Who should I contact when setting up a new gas connection?

1. Gas Distribution Network (GDN)

The GDN manages the connection of pipes to your property. If there is currently service to the property, they will tell you if there is sufficient capacity to meet your site demand. If there isn’t, then you will either need to increase the capacity of the existing service or arrange for new pipework to be brought in. This could be expensive. You will need to order a Gas Transporter 1 (GT1) in order to verify your sites status. (See below for details.)

If the property does not have an existing service, they will tell you the nearest access point. You can then ask for a quote to bring service onto the property. Any works required will need to be paid for in advance. No 2 jobs are alike and the cost will depend on the location of the property, the anticipated consumption and the peak demand

Be aware! Certain elements of work can only be carried out by a GDN. These are known as ‘non-contestable’ works and relevant charges should be published on their websites. However, there are likely to be ‘contestable’ elements of the work that more competitive 3rd parties are allowed to undertake. Contact Touchstone for details this could amount to significant savings.

Be aware! Some GDNs will charge for a quotation. This is because it is time-consuming to complete and can mean that an engineer needs to carry out a physical survey. At the point you pay for your quotation, your GDN will provide you with a unique Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). You will need this when contacting your supplier or energy broker

2. A Designated Gas Supplier

The second party who needs to be involved is a designated Gas Supplier. It is a requirement to have a supply contract in place before installing a gas meter and a copy of the contract needs to be sent to the supplier.

Tip: Don’t restrict yourself when looking for a supply contract.

Dealing with multiple parties and managing technical details can be time consuming and confusing.

Why not let Touchstone handle it for you?

Given the time lag involved you will need to organise a supply contract early in the process to ensure your meter is installed in plenty of time to test your equipment. There are more than 60 energy suppliers in the UK market today and they won’t all be right for your business.

Why not let a reputable energy broker like Touchstone help select the right gas supplier for you?

Have you been offered a free commercial gas meter?
Some suppliers may offer you a ‘free gas connection and meter’, with one condition, and that is you use their gas supply service. However, close scrutiny often reveals excessive tariffs and/or standing charges. Be sure to shop around and compare total costs.

FAQ's

Pipe Connection - What Pressure?

Most sites in the UK are low or medium pressure. If you are unsure about this or the pipe was laid some time ago, we can arrange a Gas Transporter 1 (GT1) test for you.

What is a GT1?

If you need a supply, it may be necessary to carry out a GT1 Test to find out more before a meter is attached. Sometimes this requires a site visit by an engineer but may be done remotely.

What does a GT1 test do, and do I need one?

A GT1 is a request for service pipe pressure and capacity information.
Businesses can apply for a GT1 to their local Distribution Network or Touchstone can do it for you.
There are many circumstances in which you could find yourself needing a GT1. If you need to increase capacity to your property, a GT1 will be required to check what the current service level is, what the current service pipe pressure is, and to what degree it can be increased.
A property must first be connected to the grid. If the property is not connected to the grid, then a Gas Distribution Network (GDN or GT) company can arrange a connection from the nearest service to your property.

What is the Gas Distribution Network?

The National Transmission System delivers natural gas to 175 off-take points located throughout the UK. Once there, it enters the Local Distribution Zones (LDZ).

The LDZ defines the geographic area to which the network delivers, for example: Southern England or West Midlands. Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) also connect to the network.

The location of your premises has a significant impact on your costs. This is because each area has its own charging regime, with some more costly than others. This can affect both the standing charge and the unit rates. Unless you move premises, you are subject to these costs whichever supplier you use.

Your LDZ also determines who you will need to contact to upgrade or downgrade your service.

What is a Gas Shipper?

A supplier that buys and transports through the Gas Distribution Network for consumption by retail customers. A shipper must be licensed under the Gas Act 1986 (unless an exemption applies).

Who owns my Gas Distributor Network (GDN)?

There are 8 Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), each of which covers a separate geographical region of Great Britain. These eight networks are owned and managed by the following companies:

Cadent – West Midlands, North West, East of England, and North London
Northern Gas Networks – North East England (including Yorkshire and Northern Cumbria)
Wales & West Utilities – Wales and South West England.
SGN – Scotland and Southern England (including South London).

Independent Gas Transporters

Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) develop, operate and maintain local transportation networks.

Do you need to find your GDN (Gas Distributor)?

The map below shows GDNs by region. For those who aren’t sure you can contact the Energy Networks Association on 020 7706 5100.

Colour Key

Scotland - SGN

Scotia Gas Networks

Scotland and Southern England

Northern Gas Networks

The North East, Northern Cumbria and Yorkshire

Cadent (formerly National Grid)

London, West Midlands, East of England and North West

As well as managing the National Transmission System, the national Grid delivers gas to 10.9 million customers in four gas distribution networks; the North West of England, the East of England (East Anglia and East Midlands), the West Midlands and London.

Wales & West Utilities

Wales and the South West of England.

MOVING PREMISES

What happens if I move in without signing a new contract?

If your business moves into a new property with existing utility supplies and starts to consume any utility without signing a contract, you will be subject to expensive ‘deemed rates’. To avoid this, you should seek a new supply contract prior to occupying the premises.

What happens to my utilities when I move out?

Energy contracts relate to site meter supply points: MPAN (electric), MPRN (gas). These are specific to your site address. When you leave your current premises, your contract will cease from the day that you move out. It will not transfer to your new address and you will need a new contract. Be sure to take meter readings when you leave your old building and for your new building on the days you leave and enter.

If you are happy with your current supplier, you can contact them to obtain prices for supplying your new premises. They will require information on the new site, the date you take occupancy and the opening meter readings. They may require sight of the lease. Make sure you compare any prices you are offered with general market rates provided by other suppliers. Touchstone can arrange for a whole-of-market comparison on your behalf to find the best deal.

When you connect to gas or electricity you will generally find it is a straightforward process that follows a specific path. On the other hand, selecting a gas supplier and comparing energy quotes can be time consuming and complex.
Help and advice on all energy related matters can save you time and money.

Touchstone is well positioned to get all your services installed with minimum fuss and provide you with best market rates for your utility contracts.

Connecting utilities is complicated and time-consuming.

Professional energy brokers such as Touchstone have years of experience in dealing with these issues so contact us in advance of your move and we will help you manage the entire process.