CONNECTIONS

Gas connections process

Applying for a connection to the NTS 

The three main types of connection to the National Transmission System (NTS) are:

  • Entry: A connection enabling you to inject gas into the NTS.  
  • Exit: A connection enabling you to take gas off the NTS. 
  • Storage: A connection enabling you to both take gas off the NTS and inject gas back into it. 

Who can apply for a connection? 

Only a few types of organisation can connect directly to the NTS, including: 

  • Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) 
  • Major industrial premises, such as power stations  
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP) schemes
  • Some major energy-intensive industries 
  • Lower-flow gas users such as small gas generators and compressed natural gas 
  • Suppliers, such potential hydrogen or biomethane projects 

Gas connection enquiries 

If you would like to request a connection, please email us.

We will respond to your enquiry within 48 hours. 

How do I connect?

To connect to the NTS, you will need to follow the Application to Offer (A2O) process. This follows the steps outlined in the Uniform Network Code (UNC) - Transportation Principal Document (TPD) - Section V (General) – 13. NTS Connections. 
 
We recommend that you read the Gas Connections Application Guide for further information. 

Download application guide 

Your application for a new connection should be made via the  Gas Customer Hub. Before you make an application, please speak to us to discuss your requirements. We will be happy to advise you.  
 
As a new applicant, you will need to register on the Portal and agree to terms and conditions. Please note that the first person to register your company in the Portal becomes the administrator for all users within the company. 

How much will it cost? 

The Gas Customer Hub will provide a cost estimate for a standard design connection (up to 57.3GWh/d). This cost estimate can be used to apply for a connection. You can also choose a bespoke cost estimate if you wish to specify a location on the NTS for your connection, rather than connecting to a block valve. 
 
For more detail about the costs of the connection process, please refer to the current Statement for Gas Transmission Connection Charging found in our Document Library. 
 
Once your project is connected to the NTS, you’ll need to pay ongoing charges that are collected by National Gas. You can find details of these charges on our Charging page.

How long will it take?

The timescale will vary according to the type of connection you’re applying for. Here’s a guide to the timescales involved:  

  • An initial connection offer (ICO) will be made within two months. 
  • A full connection offer (FCO) requiring a conceptual design study will be made within six months. 
  • A full connection offer (FCO) requiring a feasibility study will provide the feasibility study report within three months, and the offer six months following your acceptance of the feasibility report. 
  • The timescales for connection builds vary by project. But the standard design build will be around 12-24 months, whereas bespoke connections will be around 24-36 months. 
  • At the end of the build there is a commissioning phase to ensure that the site meets the requirements of the NTS. 
How long will it take?

How to modify an offer  

If you need to amend a live connection offer, the modification must go through the A2O process, with the associated costs. Before you submit any Application to Modify a Full Connection Offer, please speak to your Connections Contract Manager.  

How to modify an existing connection 

Once you are connected to the NTS, you may need to alter your connection to accommodate changes in your organisation. Depending on the extent of the work involved, these alterations will need to go through either a minor modification process or a full modification application. The Charging Statement  provides information on the types of application required. However, please speak to a Connections Contract Manager to discuss your modification before applying.  

How to disconnect from the NTS 

If you no longer require your connection to the NTS, you can choose to disconnect or decommission your connection. 

  • Disconnection involves physically isolating your facilities from the NTS, so that gas is unable to flow. The assets on site will enter a preservation (mothballing) state, and National Gas will conduct ongoing site maintenance to preserve the site and keep it safe, in case you wish to reconnect in future. 
  • Decommissioning involves returning the site to its original state by completely removing all pipeline and assets. If the assets are disconnected before the site is fully decommissioned, National Gas will conduct ongoing maintenance to ensure the site is safe until it is fully decommissioned.  

If you would like to disconnect or decommission your NTS connection, you will need to follow the A2O process by submitting the physical disconnection form. 

Please first discuss your request with us by contacting us at [email protected].