Getting a New Gas Connection in London: The Complete Process

When Do You Need a New Gas Connection in London?

Not every London property has a gas supply. A new gas connection is needed in several situations: a property that has never been connected to the gas network (common in some new builds and properties in areas served only by electricity), a property where the previous gas supply was disconnected and the meter removed, or a property where the owner wants to convert from electric heating to gas central heating for the first time. In all these cases, the process involves applying to the gas distribution network operator for London — National Gas UK, formerly known as National Grid Gas — to lay a supply pipe from the gas main to the property boundary.

Step One: Apply to National Gas UK

National Gas UK is the gas distribution network operator (GDN) responsible for the gas pipes that run under London streets. They are a separate entity from your gas supplier (such as British Gas, Octopus Energy, or EDF). You apply to National Gas UK for the physical connection, not to your gas supplier. Your gas supplier is then informed once the connection is complete and a meter is installed.

The application is submitted online through the National Gas UK website. You will need to provide the address, a description of the required connection, and the purpose (new residential supply, additional meter). National Gas UK will then arrange for a surveyor to visit the property to assess the feasibility of the connection — the distance from the nearest gas main, what ground needs to be excavated, and whether any obstacles such as roads, railway land, or third-party land need to be crossed.

Step Two: The Survey and Quote

Following the survey, National Gas UK issues a quotation for the connection. The connection from the main to the meter point at the property boundary is their responsibility. The typical cost for a standard connection in London — where the gas main runs under the street directly in front of the property — is between £500 and £1,500. Where the connection is more complex, for example crossing a wide road, running a longer distance through an alley or garden, or requiring a reinforced pipe for a large property, the cost can reach £3,000 or more.

The typical timescale from a confirmed and paid application to completion of the connection is four to eight weeks. This allows time for National Gas UK to arrange the excavation works, liaise with the local council for road opening permits if needed, lay the pipe, backfill, and install the external meter box. Timescales can be longer during periods of high demand.

Step Three: Internal Gas Pipework

Once the external connection is complete and the meter is in place, a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the internal gas pipework. This involves running the gas supply from the meter into the property and routing it to the boiler location and any gas appliances. The internal pipework must be pressure tested to confirm there are no leaks before it is signed off. All internal gas work in London must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and a tightness test and visual inspection are required before the supply is used.

Step Four: Boiler Installation and Commissioning

With the gas supply in place and internal pipework complete, the boiler can be installed and commissioned. The engineer will connect the boiler to the gas supply, the heating pipework, and the flue, and will carry out a full combustion analysis to confirm the boiler is operating correctly. A Gas Safe commissioning certificate is issued and the installation is notified to Building Control through the Competent Person Scheme. The new homeowner or landlord receives a copy of all paperwork for their property records.

Managing the Entire Process with Prestige Engineers

The process of getting a new gas connection can feel complex, particularly for property developers, landlords, or homeowners who have not done it before. Prestige Engineers can manage the entire process from the initial National Gas UK application through to boiler commissioning. We advise on the most appropriate boiler and heating system for the property, submit or assist with the network connection application, carry out all internal gas pipework once the meter is in, install and commission the boiler, and issue all required certification. We cover all 33 London boroughs and carry out new connection projects across all property types from single residential units to larger portfolio developments. Contact us to discuss your project and we will guide you through the process from start to finish.