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UK
Applying for a connection
Connecting to the National Transmission System (NTS) is suitable for a wide range of gas customers, including the largest consumers such as distribution networks, power stations, and large industrial enterprises. It is now possible to connect newer forms of indigenous gas such as biomethane producers, small gas generators, shale and compressed natural gas users.
We offer three types of connection: entry, exit, and storage. All new connections follow the Application to Offer (A2O) process.
We do not provide home or domestic connections. Please contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) with questions about domestic properties.
Application to Offer (A2O) process
Who should apply
Transmission connections are appropriate for a range of gas users, including:
gas distribution networks;
major industrial premises, such as power stations;
combined heat and power (CHP) schemes;
a few major energy-intensive industries; and
lower-flow gas users such as biomethane, small gas generators, shale and compressed natural gas.
How to apply
Before Applying
Before applying for a connection to the NTS you should be aware of the following:
- The gas connections portal can 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.
- All Connection Applications should now be made using the Gas Connection Portal.
- You will need to register for access to the Gas Connection Portal. To do this please access the Gas Connection Portal. On registering you will be asked to agree to terms and conditions (which are attached below) to proceed. IT IS IMPORTANT TO VERIFY YOUR ACCOUNT VIA THE EMAIL LINK THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL. THIS LINK WILL EXPIRE IN 24 HOURS. Please note that the first person to register a company in the Portal becomes the administrator for all users for that company.
- We recommend that you discuss any initial enquiries with us by contacting us before proceeding to application. Please contact us at [email protected]
- We recommend that you read the Gas Connections Application Guide below for further information.
Applying
The Gas Connection Portal will be used to submit all Connection Applications.
If you wish to submit a Connection Application, you are required to:
- read the terms and conditions below, and
- complete the Connection Application form within the Gas Connection Portal and,
- confirm that you have read the terms and Conditions, and
- click on “Submit Application” in the portal.
By clicking on “submit application” you are:
- confirming that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions, and
- submitting a Connection Application (in respect of which you may become liable for fees which, in some cases, may be non-refundable).
depositing an application fee with us as cleared funds, as stated in Section Y of the Transportation Principal Document in the UNC.
Download the Terms and Conditions
How long it takes
The period from clock start to issue offer depends on the type of offer to be made.
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 acceptance of the report by the customer.
How much it will cost
Initial connection offer (ICO)
Timescales to provide an ICO | Application for new or existing connection (entry, exit, or storage) |
| Up to 2 months | £14,000 |
Full connection offer (FCO) - non standard design
Timescales to provide an FCO | Entry & Storage | Exit |
| Simple - Up to 6 months | £45,000*# | £45,000* |
| Medium - Up to 9 months |
£75,000**# £109,000** | £75,000** |
| Complex - Up to 9 months | £406,000** | £406,000** |
Ramp Rate Study (if required) | £42,000 | £42,000 |
* A Feasibility Study is not required for this type of connection
** A Feasibility Study, Ramp Rate Study, transient analysis, or all three may be undertaken depending on the customer requirements for this category type. Where a Ramp Rate Study is required the Application Fee for a Ramp Rate Study will be added.
# Where 20D gas quality monitoring is not required - Customers can potentially avoid the requirement to install NTS gas quality monitoring equipment 20 diameter lengths either side of the connection by providing their own monitoring equipment and process for ensuring non GSMR compliant gas does not enter the NTS to the satisfaction of National Grid, to be assessed on a case by case basis and appropriate for low volumes.
Full connection offer (FCO) - standard design
Timescales to provide an FCO | Entry | Exit | Storage |
| Up to 3 months - Fixed fee | £13,300 | £13,300 | £13,300 |
| Feasibility study additional 3 months | £14,000 | £14,000 | £14,000 |
For more detail about the costs of the connection process, please download the current Statement for Gas Transmission Charges below on this page.
Modifying an offer
If you wish to amend a live connection offer you are required to complete and submit an Application to Modify a Full Connection Offer.
If you wish to apply for a modification to an existing NTS connection you must follow the A2O process and complete our standard A2O application form.
Application documents
A2O guides
These documents include guidance documents. For the application form Please see How to Apply above.
Standard conditions of contract
Standard Conditions of Contract for the Design and Build of National Grid Facilities
Connection agreements
Connection charging statements
Current charging statement
Connection charging statement - informal consultation Nov 2019
Connection Charging Statement Notice Rev.9 (2018)
Connection charging statement - informal consultation (2018)
Connection charging statement - informal consultation (2017)
Connection charging statement - informal consultation (2016)
Past connection charging statements
New NTS Entry/Exit Points
Information
A new NTS Entry/ Exit point is required to be created if there is not already a point listed for the connection in accordance with National Grids Gas Transporter Licence. This section provides information on this process.
Zero Baseline Table Notices
Notices to add New Points to Zero Baseline Capacity Tables will be published here
Relevant Points Consultations
Any consultations on Relevant Points under Article 18(4) or EU Gas Regulations will be published here.
2018 Informal Consultation
National Grid informal consultation on licence modification to allow change to new points process.
Performance reports
Our regulator Ofgem requires us to publish a quarterly report on how effective we are in delivering connection offers.
2020
Gas distribution connections
Cadent Gas provides a gas connection to existing and new-build domestic, industrial, and commercial properties.
Dial before you dig
If you are a farmer, landowner, or otherwise working on land, you can find out more about working around our network equipment by downloading the Dial Before You Dig guide.
Find out more on the Cadent website.
Gas maps and routes
Find out the approximate location of our national gas transmission networks.
Capacity
How we handle entry and exit capacity, including how to bid for entry capacity and apply for exit capacity, as well as current and historical capacity data.
Charging
Details about charges that users of the gas National Transmission System (NTS) have to pay, how they are calculated, and how we handle capacity.