Commercial Gas Meters & New Commercial Gas Connections
We provide the low-cost way of getting your gas meter installed.
Table of Contents
COMMERCIAL GAS METER INSTALLATION
Do you need a new gas supply, new gas pipe and/or gas meter?
If so, 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.
Call us now to speak with one of our gas experts to arrange your FREE quotation and we will get back to you right away.
When you choose us for your gas services, you can have confidence that we will get the work completed quickly and efficiently, and importantly, cheaply!
Domestic gas meter installations are usually free of charge via the energy supplier, but commercial gas meters, for businesses and charities are generally chargeable. A gas supplier will agree to install your gas meter, but often charge high prices.
GETTING THE BEST COMMERCIAL GAS PRICE
Many gas suppliers and meter providers charge hundreds or thousands of pounds for a meter installation. Gas Connections provide bespoke project management with one on one customer service, often at substantially lower prices than our competitors’ prices.
Have you already been quoted?
Then make sure you are getting best-value by inviting us to quote.
- Free quotation available with no obligation
- ISO14401 and ISO9001 Certified
- All installers are GIRS and Gas Safe Certified
- Installation can be project managed from start to finish
- Full project management and a dedicated project manager
- Our independent service isn’t tied to energy suppliers
- We offer the lowest rates
COMMERCIAL GAS CONNECTIONS
We can deliver low pressure gas meter installation services for your organisation with a service tailored to commercial metering solutions, including the removal of commercial gas meters, relocation of commercial gas meters and capacity change of commercial gas meters. We will save you time as our experts will handle the entire process. We can also save your company money as we will ensure that you have the correct equipment for your organisation’s requirements.
If you already have a live gas supply and need a new commercial gas meter or need a gas meter relocated or removed, we offer a fast, simple service. A dedicated member of staff who will be your main point of contact will guide you every step of the way. You can trust that they will be there if you have any questions and they will have full knowledge of your requirements.
Our gas connection service will leave you with little or no disruption to your business. Working closely with statutory providers, we will aim to minimise timescales for completion whilst providing you with a truly professional service which exceeds expectations.
Connect, upgrade, downgrade, remove, move or install, we can provide you with the gas (and electricity) services you require.
Our service is both efficient and professional, and we are on hand to support you throughout the entire process. Thanks to our many years of experience in the industry, you can benefit from our extensive market-leading knowledge which is always available to you.
GETTING A NEW COMMERCIAL GAS CONNECTION
Are you moving into, refurbishing or expanding your business premises? If so, we can arrange your gas meter installation quickly and easily.
We routinely install gas meters, gas infrastructure and supply connections for large and small businesses on a regular basis so you can be confident your project will be well managed.
BUSINESS GAS METER INSTALLATION
There’s nothing like experience to get the job done fast. From start to finish, you will be in good hands with Gas Connections, thanks to our years of experience as energy specialists to many leading businesses. For a fast response & quick action call us now.
On occasions, we have installed gas meters in 10 days and a new energy connection in 8 weeks.
Our 4 stage process is designed to save you time and money.
Stage 1. Quote – we’ll help you select the right meter for your requirements and if needed, a gas mains connection to suit your business. Once you’re happy we’ll provide a cost and arrange an installation date to suit you.
Stage 2. Connect – If required, we’ll arrange the necessary pipework to get your new gas supply connected.
Stage 3. Install – We install all types of gas meters including low and medium pressure, as well as gas smart meters.
Stage 4. Supply – Our principal goal is to get your meter installed and your gas connected within your requested time frame, but you have a legal obligation to have a gas supply contract in place before we can install a gas meter at your business. Our gas procurement department has access to over 20 different commercial gas suppliers and can obtain excellent rates for you. Why not check with us and make sure you get the best rates?
WHAT KIND OF GAS METER DO I NEED?
We will manage all of your requirements and our in-house team will help determine your exact needs to ensure that installing a new meter is simple and hassle free and to get your organisation connected as quickly and efficiently as possible.
There are different types of models, makes and size of gas meters depending on the usage required. It is vital to ensure the correct size*.
*The bigger the gas meter, the bigger your standing charge will be, therefore, installing the correct size will save you money.
We offer a complete review of your organisations’ demands and check if the capacity of your gas meter can be decreased to save you money!
We can also help to install an increased capacity gas meter if your organisation requires a greater supply of gas.
In order to determine this there are two factors:
- The pressure of the gas mains must be established, this will either be low or medium.
- The peak demand of supply your organisation requires, known as maximum capacity measured in kilowatts, cubic meters/feet per hour or Therms/BTUs.
Having a professionally installed gas meter, with a Smart Meter, ensures that you provide accurate meter readings to your supplier, potentially saving you money as you only pay for what you use. It is crucial that your meter is installed by a registered installer who follows Ofgem guidelines.
GAS METER PRESSURES
Gas meters are designed for 3 pressure levels, Low, Medium and Intermediate. By far the most common is Low.
Low Pressure meters: The working pressure of most meters should be between 19 mbar and 23 mbar, but typically 21 mbar. They will not exceed 75 mbar.
Medium Pressure meters are generally used in industrial processes although recent trends show increased use in domestic properties. Medium pressure operates between 75 mbar and 2 bar. Different pressure control arrangements necessitate bespoke design and installation only to be carried out by qualified engineers who are specialised in medium pressure work.
Intermediate Pressure Certain areas and types of projects in the UK require Intermediate Pressure supplies that operate between 2 and 7 bar.
PIPEWORK FROM THE METER TO YOUR GAS APPLIANCE
Pipework from your meter to your gas appliances should be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
For more information on arranging the installation of pipework between your meter and your gas appliance, you can search the Gas Safe Register for a list of companies certified to carry out this type of work.
GAS PIPE CONNECTION
Most sites in the UK have a 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 gas installation it may be necessary to carry out a GT1 Test to find out about your business gas supply before a new gas meter is attached.
Sometimes this requires a site visit by and engineer, but it is often done remotely these days.
WHAT IS A GT1 GAS TEST AND DO I NEED TO SUBMIT ONE?
What is a GT1 (Gas Transporter 1) and do I need to submit one?
A GT1 is a request for gas service pipe pressure and capacity information.
Businesses can apply for a GT1 to their local Gas Distribution Network or we at Gas Connections can do it for you.
There are many circumstances in which you could find yourself needing a GT1.
You may need to find out if a gas pipe in your property can supply gas to your property.
You may be installing new equipment and need to know if you your gas supply can cope with the increased demand. Or you may want to remove a gas pipe and aren’t sure if it still has live gas inside.
If you think you may need to increase the volume of gas to your property, a GT1 will be required to check if the current service is adequate, or if a capacity increase will be required. A GT1 can also be submitted to obtain your current service pipe pressure information.
To supply gas to a property it must first be connected to the gas grid. If the property is not connected to the gas grid, then a Gas Distribution Network (GDN or GT) company can provide a connection from the nearest supply to your property.
WHAT IS A GAS LIVE/DEAD TEST?
Simple. A Live/dead test will confirm if you have live gas in the pipework on your property.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY CONTROL VALVE OR ECV?
An Emergency Control Valve (ECV) is a safety device installed on a gas service pipe connecting a gas meter to the gas mains. They are required on all gas pipe installations and meters. The ECV is located at the point where the gas network/gas transporter’s pipe meets the gas meter.
The purpose of the ECV is to provide a quick and efficient way of controlling the flow of gas should it need to be switched off in the event of an emergency gas escape, or where there is no gas meter in place. Occasionally some, older installations may have a missing or corroded valve. This should be treated as an emergency by ringing 0800 111999 immediately.
The ECV is normally positioned within two metres of gas meters or within visual sight of the meter. If this is not the case, there is a legal requirement for the next engineer passing gas through the installation to make it clear via labelled instructions where the gas should be turned off in the event of danger. If the meter is relocated and the ECV is left in its original position, then a second ECV will need to be installed local to the new meter location and connected to the meter governor.
Where a gas meter is removed, the ECV should be sealed with a suitable device to ensure that gas doesn’t leak.
WHAT SIZE GAS METER DO I NEED?
When considering a new gas supply and new gas meter, you will need to understand the requirements of your site and your equipment. These are simplified into size, pressure and capacity.
Most gas meters operate at low pressure and a GT1 will clarify the pressure of your pipework.
The second consideration relates to what is known as Peak Demand (or SPEV) and is based on the number and type of gas appliances installed on your site. Gas appliances are rated in Kilowatts per hour (kW). Demand can be measured in kilowatts, cubic metres/feet per hour, and occasionally Therms or BTUs (British Thermal Units). In order to establish your Peak Demand, you will need to combine the demand of all the appliances on your site. This is the theoretical Peak Demand. Of course, it may be unusual for all your appliances to be in use at the same time, but it is best to be safe.
Annual Gas Consumption. To be clear, Peak Demand is not the total amount of gas consumption to be used throughout the year (Annual Quantity) but the maximum amount of gas needed in one hour. An example of this would be a take-away restaurant that had pizza ovens, hobs and a gas boiler all operating at the same time. You would need to add the demand of all these appliances together, which would then give you your Peak Demand.
It is wise to consider whether you plan on increasing site demand in the future. If so, it would be cheaper to oversize the meter and supply pipe. The downside is that a bigger meter will increase your standing charge.
Most domestic properties rarely exceed 30 kW per hour, but a small restaurant or office will probably use between 80 kW and 175 kW. Demand increases according to the number and size of appliances. It can also increase during adverse cold weather events.
Once the demand has been calculated, the pipework connecting to your property will need to be checked to ensure that it has sufficient capacity to deliver the required amount of gas.
To ensure you arrive at the correct figure you should consult a Gas Safe engineer.
If you have any questions or seek clarification, contact Gas Connections today. Our connection services team will allocate you a dedicated Account Manager to help and assist you with these calculations.
WHAT IS SERVICE PIPE ENERGY VALUE (SPEV)?
Energy Required – The Service Pipe Energy Value (SPEV) in KWh. If you do not know what your maximum hourly gas load will be (with all the appliances working at the same time), you will need to consult a Gas Safe registered engineer or talk to us here at Gas Connections.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARD, LOW-PRESSURE GAS METER SIZES?
Here is a list of the standard, low-pressure meters we supply.
Our team will advise you on the correct installation for your needs.
The U number used to define all Diaphragm Gas Meters relates to the meter capacity in Standard Cubic Metres per Hour (SCMH). Therefore, a U16 meter has a capacity of 16 cubic metres per hour.
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE INSTALLING MY GAS METER?
METER POINT REFERENCE NUMBER (MPRN)
Before installing your gas meter, you will need an MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number).
This is a unique identifier number for your gas supply.
If this is for a new connection, your MPRN will be provided to you when you arrange for your pipework to be installed. This will be provided by either an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) or by National Grid. If you have trouble obtaining your MPRN or require help, we will undertake this for you.
If you need pipework installing and require assistance with this, we will help you every step of the way.
Before installing your gas meter, you will need a gas supply contract. The meter installation can’t proceed without an agreement for supply from a licensed gas supplier. If you don’t have a supplier, don’t worry, we will help you find the best one for your specific organisation needs.
We can arrange competitive gas supply contracts from any gas supplier in the UK. Our experts will provide you with all of the possible options for you to compare. There is no obligation and you are free to make your own arrangements.
Whatever you do, don’t accept the first offer you are given by a supplier.
Commercial gas meter installation costs can vary widely and as an independent company our prices are considerably lower than some of the large energy suppliers.
GAS MAINS
Gas Distribution is the supply of gas to homes and commercial and industrial sites via gas mains and services throughout the UK. These are subterranean and located beneath roads, footpaths and grass verges.
Gas mains in the UK fall into the following pressures bands:
- Intermediate Pressure: Mains operating between 2 and 7 bar and constructed from either high-quality steel or polyethylene pipe. Sometimes Intermediate pressure (up to 7 bar) pipes are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene). Intermediate gas pressure must be reduced from ‘high‘ or ‘intermediate‘ to ‘medium’ or ‘low’. This process is carried out at pressure reduction stations and governors.
- Medium Pressure: Mains operating between 75mbar and 2bar. Medium pressure (up to 2 bar) and low pressure (up to 75 mbar) gas pipes are often made from MDPE (medium density polyethylene) but also steel. polyethylene, cast iron, and ductile iron pipe.
- Low Pressure: Mains operating at approximately 30mbar and up to pressures of 75mbar. Pipes are generally constructed of polyethylene with cast iron or ductile iron pipework still in place in many areas. Low Pressure elements of the gas mains predominate in the network with large sections still using iron pipework; however, these are being continually replaced with plastic.
Gas Services
Gas services are smaller diameter pipes, usually up to 63mm diameter which are connected to low, medium or intermediate pressure mains and take gas into UK homes. commercial and industrial premises. A gas service regulator is connected to the end of the service pipe before the gas meter to reduce the gas pressure, usually to 21 mbar, to supply gas appliances installed in the premises.
If you would like help or a quotation to carry out work to gas mains, or information about our full range of services please get in touch.
HOW DO I GET A COMMERCIAL GAS METER INSTALLED?
Once the gas supply is installed to the appropriate location you will need to arrange a meter installation. If you will still need the gas supply to be brought into the property these 2 steps should be planned together. Ideally, it’s best to use one company to arrange both steps.
If you now have live gas and simply need a meter installing, contact us here at Gas Connections and we can provide you with a quote to get you up and running, trouble free.
WHY WORK WITH US?
- Experience
Single site, multi-site, big or small
- Tailor Made Service
Full project management with a dedicated account manager
- Joined Up Thinking
Start right! We help make sure you have the right meter for your site and installed when you need it
- Team Players
A commitment to the highest standards and a personal, friendly service
MOVING PREMISES
Moving into an existing building?
Are you planning to move your business to an existing building? 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).
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 building and moving to another existing building?
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 may have to pay a connection charge when connecting to a new property.
What happens if I move in without signing a new gas 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 IS MY LDZ GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK?
The UK is divided into 13 Local Distribution Zones (LDZ)
There are currently 13 LDZs throughout the UK with the exception of Northern Ireland, which is not part of the UK gas network.
Each gas supply point must belong to one LDZ. The 13 regions are: EA, EM, NE, NO, NT, NW, SC, SE, SO, SW, WM, WN and WS.
See below for details:
The LDZ zones fall into the 8 Gas Distribution Networks:
Who is my Gas Distributor (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.
If you aren’t sure who your GDN is, call Touchstone. We can do the legwork for you.
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.
NEW GAS CONNECTIONS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
We provide a solution for installing all your gas infrastructure (and electricity)
Managing new connections and meter installations is critical for busy developers who need efficient and reliable help in getting key services up and running, on time and on budget.
Our dedicated team can deliver all aspects of the work you require, from initial evaluation, engaging with Gas Transporters, delivering pipework infrastructure and installing meters (gas and electric).
As part of the UK Government directives, all new homes will be fitted with Smart Meters, free of charge.
If you need new gas or electricity connections for your development, be it a single house or bigger, more complex projects, complete the form requesting a callback and a Team member will get back to you. Alternatively, simply call us.
WHO AND WHAT IS A GAS SHIPPER?
A Gas Shipper is a gas supplier that buys and transports gas through the Gas Distribution Network for consumption by retail customers. A shipper must be licensed under the Gas Act 1986 (unless an exemption applies).
A Gas Supplier is the company that sells gas to its customers.
If you have taken over new premises and need to find your MPRN, then you should contact your landlord; or the previous tenant/owner of the property. By searching the premises, you will often find that former occupants have left gas and electricity bills behind. This has the added benefit of showing you who the current supplier is.
INDEPENDENT GAS TRANSPORTERS (IGTs)
My Gas Transporter is an IGT (Independent Gas transporter). How can I find my MPRN, my Shipper and my Gas Supplier?
If your MPRN begins with 74, 75, 76 or 77 then you are being supplied by and IGT.
The vast majority of properties in the UK are supplied by Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). These cover specific regions in the UK.
The IGT service was introduced in 1995 in order to increase competition, and this means that the majority of sites they are serving are new housing developments, and commercial, industrial and retail developments. Currently, there are approximately one million properties served by IGTs.
IGT networks are directly connected to the Gas Distribution Network (GDN).
There is no difference in the service provided by IGTs or GDNs.
There are currently nine IGTs operating networks:
- GTC Pipelines
- Independent Pipelines
- ES Pipelines
- Last Mile Gas
- Fulcrum Pipelines
- Indigo Pipelines
- Energy Assets Pipelines
- Murphy Gas Networks
- Leep Gas Networks
Ofgem regulates the amounts that IGTs can charge their customers for using their networks via a ‘Relative Price Control’ (RPC). This means that IGT charges are capped for all new customers at a level broadly consistent with the GDN equivalent charge. However, for those sites that pre-date RPC (legacy sites), IGTs will continue to charge under the legacy arrangements until they migrate into RPC.
This means you shouldn’t notice a difference in the price you pay, whether you are in an IGT location or otherwise.
AM I ON AN IGT NETWORK?
Question: If my gas is provided via an IGT, does it mean that I can’t transfer to another gas supplier?
It makes no difference whether you are supplied by an IGT or a GDN, nor does it make a difference to your capacity to switch suppliers. The only difference is going to be the name of the supplier on your gas bill.
It’s the energy firm that pays for gas distribution costs, either to the regional distribution network or an IGT. That charge works its way onto your bill, and you have no direct relationship with the organisation transporting the gas to your premises.
If you would like to compare prices for your gas contract, contact us now.
There are 4 Gas Distribution Networks (GDN) and the 13 Local Distribution Zones (LDZ).
SITE CAPACITY ANALYSIS
Do you want to upgrade your gas service?
A prime consideration before planning any adjustment or increase in your gas supply is the availability of additional capacity in the surrounding network able to support an increase in demand.
It’s therefore vital to identify any capacity constraints well in advance of planned works. As a matter of course, we contact all relevant utility network operators on your behalf to confirm availability within their networks to support your project.