Getting Connected to a Gas Supply

If you want to get connected to a gas supply there are several things that you have to consider. One of them is if you actually have a right to do so. The following criteria disallow connection:

• Dangerous Pipes
  If the pipes are in a bad or dangerous condition and need repair before supply can be connected. The responsibility for the pipes can be the owner’s if they fall inside the house; or the gas supplier’s if they fall outside the house as part of the mains.
• Squatters
  People who are squatting, or inhabiting a property illegally cannot receive a gas supply on safety grounds. If the entry to the property was not forced and the supplier is aware of it, there is no reason why a gas supply can be refused. Financial security may have to be provided (see below).
• Debt
  If you have been previously disconnected due to non payment you will not be able to receive a gas supply.

How To Obtain A Gas Supply

People often need to obtain a gas supply when they move to a new home. They do so by informing the gas supplier of the date that they would like to be connected, in addition to taking a meter reading. It is important to keep the reading safe for future reference in case of disputes. If you need the supply reconnecting, there may be a charge.

If you wish to change gas supplier, both the old and new supplier will need informing. They will also need an accurate meter reading for the day when the supplier changes over; some suppliers will send a meter reader to do this. Otherwise your reading may suffice.

However if you have a gas debt, a new supplier may not be willing to provide you with gas. In certain cases if you have a small debt and use a prepayment meter, you can be allowed to transfer to a new supplier taking your debt with you.

Providing Financial Security

In some circumstances the gas supplier will refuse to connect the gas supply until you have provided suitable financial security. You may need to consider the following:

1. Agreeing to install a prepayment meter.
2. Agreeing to join a regular payment plan.
3. Providing a cash deposit.
4. Providing a guarantor.

The circumstances under which these demands are made by the gas supplier are usually quite rare. Security of this sort may be required if you are a new customer and cannot prove your last address, or have a bad track record for payment at your previous address.

1. Prepayment Meters
   Prepayment meters can be used with a card which replaces the older methods such as coins, or tokens. Most new meters will come with a card, but older meters can still be used.
2. Regular Payment Plans
   By using payment schemes such as Direct Debit or Flexible Payment schemes you can get a discount from some suppliers. Direct Debit Or Standing Orders – are based on annual gas usage estimate. Payments are made in installments taken from your bank monthly or quarterly. Flexible Payments Schemes – allow you to pay any amount at any time.
3. Deposits
   The supplier requests a reasonable amount of money as a deposit. At the end of the year the deposit is reviewed depending on what state of payment the bills are at. If they have been paid in full, the deposit is returned.
4. Guarantors
   A guarantor will take the financial responsibilities of your gas bills if you do not pay them and cannot be traced. Before they are accepted their own gas payment history is checked to make sure that they are satisfactory. This arrangement is assessed after a year in which time if all your bills are paid properly, the guarantor will not be needed.

Paying The Gas Bill

The person who has requested the gas supply to be connected is responsible for bill payment. As a result it is their name that appears on the bill. You should not be asked to pay a bill if you are not named on the bill.

There are a number of ways in which to make bill payments. They can be paid in cash, by cheque, postal order or by direct debit. Unless you are part of a payment scheme the full amount must be paid when it is due.