Gas Connection Guide

How to Get a New Gas Connection

Whether you’re building new homes, developing commercial premises, or carrying out major work on an existing property, Crown Energy has helped thousands of customers get connected to the UK’s gas network. This section explains the key steps, costs, and timescales involved so you’ll know what to expect before applying.

How much will it cost to get a new gas connection?

The cost of a new gas connection will depend on various factors. If your property doesn’t have the required gas pipe infrastructure, you’ll have to pay for this first. The cost of piping will depend on your property’s proximity to the nearest mains gas line. If you’re living in a city or town, it’s more likely to be close by than in rural settings.

If your design and costing include infrastructure and this involves access to a third-party property such as your neighbours, or public roads, an access permit and traffic management will be required. We will take care of obtaining these for you. If the nature of the work involves a road closure, this will also be reflected in the cost and timeframe for completing the job.

Does your property already have piping, but it’s not in good condition? We can arrange for any necessary repairs or replacements too. If the infrastructure is in good condition, this could save you money on certain labour costs.

What is the timeframe for getting a new gas connection?

The timeframe for a new gas connection will depend on several factors. Design and costing can take approximately 2-4 weeks depending on the work required. This timeframe also includes any surveyor visits to your property to assess and confirm the jobs needed.

Once we have produced your design and costing, this will be shared with you. If you accept the quotation, we will organise for the work as soon as payment has been made. The general timeframe in which a new gas connection can be completed is anywhere between 6-12 weeks. However, this can differ from one project to another.

What information do I need to apply?

When applying for a new gas connection, we’ll need certain details to design and cost the work accurately:

• New build or conversion? – We’ll need a site plan to show where the gas pipes and infrastructure should go.
• Permission to carry out the work – You must either own the land or provide written consent from the landowner. If planning permission or local authority permits are required, these need to be in place before work begins.
• Single property or multiple connections? – If you need gas for more than one property, or multiple connections within one site, this falls under commercial or multi-plot projects. Please specify this on your application form.

Our team can also check whether your property already has gas pipes in place, as this may reduce time and cost.

What documents are required for your application?

To start your gas connection application, you’ll usually need to supply:

• A site plan or drawing of the property/project
• A completed utility application form
• Any supporting permissions or consents (if applicable)

From your first enquiry, you’ll have a dedicated account manager to advise if additional documents or a site visit are needed.

What is a gas meter?

A gas meter is a specialised flow meter. Residential gas meters are installed in homes to measure the volume of gas used by a particular residence. The gas supplier will then be able to bill the property accordingly.

Crown Energy can consolidate your new gas connection and also install a gas meter at your property. We’ll take care of the entire project, helping to reduce timescales and offering a competitive price. This also ensures that you don’t have to deal with several different companies. You will have one dedicated account manager available to give you updates and guide the process and works. Once we have installed your new gas connection and new gas meter, your energy supplier will be able to bill you according to your usage.

New gas meter installation

Crown Energy can arrange for your new gas meter to be installed once your connection is in place. We provide a complete service, from setting up the new gas connection through to installing the right type of meter for your property.

The cost of installing a gas meter depends on the type of meter required and the scale of your supply. Standard domestic installations are relatively straightforward, while larger commercial projects may require more complex metering solutions, which will increase the cost.

The type of meter you’ll need depends on how the gas will be used:

• Standard credit meters – measure usage for most homes and small businesses, billed after readings.
• Prepayment meters – allow you to top up in advance, giving more control over spending.
• Smart meters – send readings automatically and display real-time usage to help track energy use.
• Large-scale commercial meters – designed for businesses and developments with higher demand or multiple supplies.

Your account manager will advise on the most suitable option and provide a tailored cost as part of your overall gas connection quotation.

Altering or diverting a gas connection

If your project requires an existing gas connection to be altered or diverted, for example, on a development site or during major building works, Crown Energy can arrange this on your behalf. We’ll assess the scope of work and liaise with the relevant network operators to design a safe and compliant solution.

Moving an existing gas meter

Yes, your gas meter can be moved, but this depends on the distance and location. If it’s difficult to access, you’re renovating, or building work requires it, we can arrange to relocate it for you.

There are restrictions on where a gas meter can be placed, and these vary depending on the property and the network.

To assess your request, we’ll need:

• Address of the property, where the work is required
• Full name and contact number
• How far you want the meter to be moved

Our team will then advise on the best approach and arrange the work with authorised engineers.