For homeowners living in the countryside, relying on off-grid fuels like oil or LPG is a reality, but it comes with challenges: fluctuating costs, reliance on deliveries, and the sheer inconvenience of tank monitoring. Connecting to the national mains gas network offers a permanent, convenient, and often cheaper heating solution. If you’ve ever wondered how to get mains gas in a rural area, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from initial enquiry to enjoying the warmth of your new system.
Step 1: Check feasibility and get your quote (the rural challenge)
The first and most critical step is to find out if connecting is possible and how much it will cost, as distance is the major factor for rural homes.
A. Identify your network operator
In the UK, the national gas grid is managed by local Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). Your first point of contact should be your regional GDN. Alternatively, you can seek quotes from an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT). IGTs often handle the ‘contestable’ parts of the work and may offer a more competitive quote.
B. Assess the distance
The price of your connection is almost entirely determined by your property’s distance from the nearest gas main.
- Standard connection (within ~23m): If the gas main runs past your property, the work is relatively straightforward and falls into the lower price bracket (typically £500 to £1,500 excluding VAT, though quotes vary by GDN/IGT).
- Longer connection (over 23m): For properties far from the main road, the price increases significantly as it involves laying much more pipework. This is the main cost challenge, with complex connections often ranging from £2,000 to £4,000+.
The GDN/IGT will conduct a survey and provide a formal, detailed quote. They will also inform you if you are eligible for any help under the Fuel Poor Network Extension Scheme (FPNES), which can sometimes cover the connection cost for qualifying households.
Step 2: Connection and pipework installation
Once you accept the quote, the physical work begins. The connection process is typically split into two parts:
- Non-contestable work: This is the high-risk work involving the physical connection to the mains gas pipe in the road or pavement. This must be carried out by your local GDN or a qualified IGT.
- Contestable work: This involves laying the new service pipe from the gas main up to your property’s boundary (or where the meter will be located). You can often save money by asking the GDN/IGT to split the quote and hiring your own groundwork contractor to dig the trenches on your private land, allowing the gas engineer to simply lay the pipe.
Upon completion of the pipework to your house, the gas network operator will allocate a unique Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for your property. This number is essential for the next step.
Step 3: Arranging and installing a gas meter
The GDN/IGT connects the pipe up to your house, but they do not install the meter itself. This is the responsibility of your chosen energy supplier.
- Choose a supplier: Select a gas supplier and set up an account with them. Provide them with the MPRN you received from the network operator.
- Arrange meter fitting: Your supplier will then arrange for a Meter Asset Manager (MAM) to visit your property for installing a gas meter rural. This can be a standard, prepayment, or a smart meter.
- Cost and timeline: The cost to install a new meter as part of a new connection typically ranges from £400 to £1,000, though some suppliers may offer the initial meter installation for free as part of signing up for a contract. The actual fitting is usually quick, but arranging the appointment can take several weeks after the main pipework is complete.
Step 4: Converting your heating system
With mains gas now piped to your meter position, you can finally convert your heating appliances. This step requires a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
Converting from oil to gas
For most rural homeowners, the switch is from oil. This is the most comprehensive part of the conversion, but it offers the greatest long-term savings and convenience.
- Boiler replacement: Your old oil-fired boiler cannot be converted to run on mains natural gas; it must be completely replaced with a new, energy-efficient gas boiler.
- Tank removal: The old oil storage tank must be safely emptied and removed (or decommissioned).
- The cost: The total cost to convert from oil to gas boiler (supply and installation) for an average home ranges from £3,500 to £6,000, including the removal of the old oil system. While a significant outlay, this cost is often recovered over time through cheaper fuel bills and reduced maintenance compared to oil.
Converting from LPG to mains gas
The LPG to mains gas conversion process is often simpler, particularly if your existing system is relatively new.
- Boiler: A newer LPG boiler may be convertible by changing the burner jets and adjusting the gas valve. If the boiler is old, a replacement with a new natural gas model is usually the most efficient and cost-effective option.
- Cookers and fires: For gas hobs and fires, the conversion usually involves a Gas Safe engineer replacing the small brass jets within the appliance, a routine and relatively inexpensive procedure.
Converting to mains gas is a major project, but it is a one-time investment that future-proofs your home, increases its energy efficiency, and provides a reliable, uninterrupted heating supply.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
