If you’re a domestic property owner, you’ll need a domestic gas connection to receive gas from a supplier. But what is a domestic gas connection, how much does it cost, and how long does the process take? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.
What is classed as a domestic property in the UK?
In the UK, a domestic property is defined as a dwelling that contains no more than one family unit. This could be a house, individual flats, or maisonettes. Essentially, a property is domestic if it is residential which means a place where someone can live.
Who is my gas supplier?
The easiest way to find out who supplies your gas is to look at a recent energy bill. If you don’t have one, or if you have recently moved to another property, you can find out who your gas supplier is here.
Alternatively, you can call Meter Point Administration Service on 0870 608 1524. They will provide you with the name of your gas supplier. They’ll also be able to give you your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN).
How do I get my domestic property connected to gas?
Arranging a gas connection for your domestic property may prove to be a stressful task, one that can be time-consuming and involve speaking to different industry personnel. To minimise these frustrations, Crown Energy can take care of, and remove the hassle from, your new gas connection with little to no disruption to your home.
We install all types of new gas connections, regardless of their size. From the planning stages to gas on, and everything in between, we can get you connected quickly and smoothly.
Here’s what we would need from you to start a new gas connection application for design and costing:
Is your property a new build or are you undertaking a home conversion?
We’ll need a site plan for our design engineers to work out where the gas pipes and other required infrastructure needs to go
Do you have permission for the new gas connection to be installed?
You must own the land that we need to access or provide us with written permission from the landowner for the work to be carried out and completed. If you need planning permission or a local authority permit, please make sure these are in place.
Do you need a new gas connection for more than one property?
If you’re looking for a new gas connection for more than one property, or a property where more than one connection is needed, this would fall under commercial or multi-property projects. Please specify your requirements on the Utility Application form.
Alternatively, you can request a call back and one of our friendly advisors will get in touch. You can let them know over the phone of your exact gas connection needs and they will be happy to advise and assist you.
Check if your property has existing gas pipes
It’s a good idea to check if your domestic property already has gas pipes as, in most cases, this could help save time and costs. If you’re unable to locate them, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not there. If the property previously had a gas supply or your neighbours have a gas supply, the chances are that the gas piping infrastructure exists. It’s also possible that your gas supply could have been disconnected and capped off. In both scenarios, we can help to get you connected with ease.
To determine if the gas supply has been disconnected, we conduct a check to see if the service is live.The cost of restoring the supply depends on whether it was capped after the meter or at the boundary.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to disconnect, divert, or alter your gas connection in any way such as moving the infrastructure that provides your gas supply, we can help to facilitate this quickly and hassle-free.
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.
Can I disconnect, alter, divert, or move an existing gas connection?
The simple answer is yes. However, there will be different scopes of work involved depending on your property, location, and specific requirements. Crown Energy is equipped to carry out gas disconnections, alterations, diversions and gas meter relocation and removal if required. Remember, it’s illegal for you to move or alter your gas supply infrastructure or meter. Only authorised companies, and engineers are allowed to carry the work out for you.
How much will it cost to get a new domestic gas connection?
The cost of a new domestic 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 domestic 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.
The cost of a new gas meter will depend on your peak demand for gas. To calculate your peak demand for gas, you’ll need to add up the maximum kilowatt usage or the input rating for every gas appliance that you have installed, or that will be installed in the future.
Once you have confirmed the gas requirements for your domestic property, we can tell you the meter size you require.
After receiving your application, our design engineers will put together an itemised quotation referred to as Design and Costing. This will include all the costs associated with the works you require. You will receive this approx. 2-4 weeks after submitting your new gas connection application.
What is the timeframe for getting a new gas connection?
The timeframe for a new domestic gas connection will depend on several factors. Design and costing can take approxiamately 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.