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Competitive PricesIndependent Gas Transporters (iGTs), what they are, why they exist, and what it means for your business gas connection
If you’ve ever applied for a new business gas connection on a relatively new commercial development, you may have been told the site isn’t served by the regional Gas Distribution Network (GDN). Instead, it’s served by an Independent Gas Transporter (iGT).
It’s not a sales trick. iGTs are a legitimate, regulated part of the UK gas industry, and depending on the situation, they can make new connections faster or slower than the GDN equivalent. Here’s what you need to know.
What an iGT actually is
An Independent Gas Transporter is a privately-owned company licensed by Ofgem to operate parts of the UK gas distribution network, typically in newer commercial estates, business parks, or housing developments where the developer chose to commission an iGT rather than connect to the regional GDN.
Once the iGT has installed the network, they own and operate the pipework from the main connection point (where they tie into the GDN) all the way to each premises on the estate. They charge ongoing transportation fees, which sit inside your supplier’s bills.
Major UK iGTs include ESP Utilities Group, Energetics, GTC (Gas Transportation Company), SGN Connections, and Last Mile Gas. Several dozen smaller ones operate too.
Why iGTs exist
The GDN model is a 19th-century inheritance, large regional monopolies regulated by Ofgem. iGTs were introduced under the 1996 Gas Act to break that monopoly on newer infrastructure. The logic: if a developer is building a new estate from scratch, they should be able to choose who installs and operates the gas network, not just be handed the local GDN.
For developers, iGTs often quote faster and cheaper than GDNs for new estate-scale connections. That’s why so many newer commercial developments end up on iGT networks.
How to know if your site is on an iGT or a GDN
The fastest way: check your MPRN. UK MPRNs have a specific format, and certain number ranges correspond to iGTs. Your supplier can confirm, or your existing gas bill will show the transporter name (often in small print near the standing charge breakdown).
If you don’t yet have a connection, i.e. you’re submitting a new connection enquiry, the GDN will tell you on their initial response whether your site is in their territory or on an iGT-managed development.
iGT vs GDN, what’s different about a new connection
| Factor | GDN | iGT |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of quotes | 6 to 8 weeks typical | Often faster, 2 to 4 weeks |
| Speed of install | 8 to 16 weeks typical | Often faster on new estates (already-installed network) |
| Cost on new estates | Often higher | Usually competitive or cheaper |
| Cost on existing sites | Standard | iGT may not be an option |
| Supplier availability | All major suppliers | Most major suppliers, but some smaller suppliers don’t yet support all iGTs |
| Transportation charges | Standard published rates | Variable, usually similar to or slightly higher than GDN |
Things to check if your site is on an iGT
- Does your preferred supplier serve your iGT? Most do, but a small number of suppliers don’t have agreements with every iGT. Check before you choose a contract.
- What are the transportation charges? They’re usually similar to GDN rates but can be slightly higher. Make sure your quote includes them.
- How responsive is the iGT for service? Faults and emergencies route through the iGT, not the GDN. Most iGTs have good operational track records, but some are better than others.
Are iGT-supplied sites more expensive in the long run?
Generally, no. Transportation charges from iGTs are usually within 5 to 10% of GDN charges, sometimes a touch higher, sometimes a touch lower. The difference, over the lifetime of a typical commercial site, is rarely material. The upfront connection cost difference is often more significant, and often favours the iGT on new estates.
The bigger thing to watch for is supplier availability. If you have a strong preference for a specific supplier, confirm they serve your iGT before signing.
What it means for new connections
If you’re applying for a new business gas connection on a development that’s served by an iGT, route your application to the iGT, not the GDN. The iGT will quote, schedule, and install. Process is the same as GDN at a high level, contestable vs non-contestable split applies (Independent Connection Providers can do contestable work on iGT networks too).
If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a GDN or iGT, give us the postcode and we’ll confirm in minutes.
Working with Clearsight on iGT connections
We work with all the major UK iGTs and the regional GDNs. When you ask us to quote a new connection, we’ll route the enquiry to whichever transporter owns the network at your site, get the quote, and compare ICP options for the contestable work. No upfront fees.
Get a new gas connection quote in 60 seconds.
Related guides: New business gas connection, Business gas meter installation, Business meter installation hub.
How do I find out if my site is on an iGT network?
The fastest check is to look at any existing gas bill for the site. The bill will identify the gas transporter responsible for the supply pipe. If the transporter name is not one of the four regional GDNs (Cadent, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, Wales and West Utilities), the network is owned by an iGT. The other route is the MPRN itself: iGT-administered MPRNs start with 74 or 75. If you do not have a bill or an MPRN to hand, send us your postcode and we will check for you.
Why do Independent Gas Transporters exist?
The gas market was deregulated in the late 1990s to allow competition for new gas connections. The GDNs had effectively held a monopoly on extending the gas network. Ofgem licensed iGTs to compete with the GDNs on new connections, particularly on new housing developments and industrial estates. iGTs typically have lower overheads and can quote faster, which is why they are common on newer estates.
How does an iGT gas connection work in practice?
The iGT extends the local gas network from the GDN main into the development or premises. They own and maintain the section of network they install, but the GDN still owns the high-pressure main upstream. The result is a hybrid: the iGT manages the connection and the local pipework, the GDN keeps responsibility for the wider network. From your perspective as the business owner, the day-to-day experience is the same as with a GDN connection. You still appoint a meter operator, your supplier still bills you for gas used, and the MPRN identifies your supply.
What are the pricing and contract differences with an iGT?
iGT-administered sites can have slightly different transportation charges than GDN sites. Those charges show up as a small uplift on the unit rate in your gas contract. Most suppliers accept iGT-supplied sites without issue, but some smaller suppliers limit the contracts they will offer on iGT MPRNs. If you are tendering for a new contract, mention that the site is on an iGT network so suppliers can quote accurately.
Can I switch supplier on an iGT-managed site?
You can switch your gas supplier on an iGT-managed site exactly the same way you switch on a GDN site. The MPRN stays the same. The iGT does not need to be involved in the supplier switch.
Related Clearsight guides on gas connections
For the full picture on new gas connections (whether GDN or iGT), see our gas connection section in the meter installation pillar. For supplier-related work after the meter is live, see our guide to switching business gas supplier and the wider business gas pillar. If you want the end-to-end view of the whole meter install and connection process, see our business meter installation and new connections hub.
If the site also needs a new electricity supply (common on new-build developments served by an iGT), see our new business electricity connection guide. For sites with maximum demand above 100 kW, half-hourly metering is mandatory, see our half-hourly electricity meter guide.