Getting a Gas or Electricity Connection in the UK
For Tenants, Homeowners, and Landlords in the United Kingdom

This page provides official guidance on how to get a gas or electricity connection for a domestic property in the United Kingdom. It applies to tenants, homeowners, landlords, and developers seeking either a new connection, a reconnection, or an upgrade to an existing supply.

Whether you are moving into a new-build home, renovating a property, or reconnecting a disconnected supply, the process is regulated and must comply with energy industry and safety standards. All domestic gas and electricity connections are delivered by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and Gas Transporters (GTs), not your energy supplier.

When You Need a New Connection

You will need to apply for a new connection if:

  • You are building a new property
  • The property has never had a gas or electricity supply
  • The existing supply was permanently disconnected
  • You require a separate connection for an annex, flat conversion, or additional dwelling

For reconnections or meter-related issues, see your energy supplier. For physical infrastructure connections, contact the network operator.

Who Is Responsible

  • Electricity connections are managed by your regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
  • Gas connections are managed by the local Gas Transporter (GT)

You can find your electricity DNO or gas transporter using:
www.energynetworks.org → “Who is my network operator?”

You may also use Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) or Utility Infrastructure Providers (UIPs), which offer competitive connection quotes.

Steps to Apply for a New Connection

Step 1: Identify the Network Operator

  • Use postcode lookup to find your local DNO or GT
  • Alternatively, consult your local council or building contractor

Step 2: Request a Connection Quote

  • Submit a formal application (online or by post)

Provide detailed property information:

  • Site address and location plan
  • Property type and intended use
  • Estimated load requirements (e.g. for heating systems)

Step 3: Receive a Costed Offer

  • The operator will issue a quotation within 5–10 working days for standard domestic connections
  • The quote includes design, labour, and materials

Step 4: Accept the Quote and Schedule the Work

  • Pay the connection fee
  • Confirm start date for works (usually within 6–8 weeks)

Step 5: Prepare the Site

  • Ensure clear access and trenching where required
  • Provide a meter box and internal pipework (usually your responsibility)

Step 6: Installation and Metering

  • Network operator installs the external supply
  • You arrange for your energy supplier to install the meter once infrastructure is ready

How Much It Costs

Costs vary depending on:

  • Distance to the nearest supply point
  • Site accessibility
  • Ground conditions and surface reinstatement
  • Load requirement (e.g. high-demand appliances or EV chargers)

Typical domestic costs:

  • Electricity single-phase connection: £400–£1,500
  • Gas connection: £300–£1,000
  • Additional charges may apply for trenching, parking suspensions, or traffic control

Always compare quotes from the incumbent operator and accredited third parties.

Getting Reconnected

If your supply was previously disconnected (but the infrastructure remains), you may request a reconnection.

  • Contact the relevant network operator
  • Fees for reconnection are generally lower than for new installations
  • A safety inspection may be required before re-energisation

Installing a Meter

Once the connection is complete:

  • Choose an energy supplier to activate your account
  • The supplier will install a meter for gas and/or electricity
  • You may choose a smart meter for automated readings and accurate billing

Meter installation is typically free of charge when setting up a new account.

Timeframes

Stage
Typical Duration

Quotation issued
5–10 working days

Work scheduled after acceptance
4–8 weeks

Connection and installation
1–2 days (standard cases)

Meter installation (by supplier)
1–2 weeks (after request)

Complex or rural installations may take longer due to planning, access, or safety requirements.

Safety and Compliance

All work must comply with:

Only qualified engineers may work on live gas or electricity infrastructure. Always check contractor accreditation.

Tenants and Landlords

  • Tenants must gain written permission from their landlord to apply for new connections or major upgrades
  • Landlords are responsible for ensuring that rental properties have safe, compliant connections and supply
  • In multi-occupancy dwellings, separate metering and isolation may be required for each unit

Recommended Action Steps

To arrange a new gas or electricity connection:

  1. Confirm whether your property needs a new, upgraded, or reconnected supply
  2. Find your local network operator using www.energynetworks.org
  3. Request a quote with full site and load information
  4. Compare costs with accredited third-party providers if desired
  5. Accept the offer and schedule installation with required site preparations
  6. Contact your energy supplier to request meter installation and begin supply

All physical infrastructure work must be completed before energy supply and billing can begin. Keep records of quotes, work orders, and certificates for reference.