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Independent gas transporters: A guide to how IGTs operate in Britain
The British gas market was deregulated in the 1990s, opening the gas grid to new network operators. This reform enabled private companies to manage different parts of the national gas infrastructure under Ofgem’s oversight.
Among these operators are independent gas transporters (IGTs), which were established to expand the gas network by connecting new developments to the existing grid.
In this guide, our experts explain how IGTs fit within the British gas distribution network, their relationship with gas shippers and suppliers, and how Ofgem regulates their costs and performance.
- What are independent gas transporters (IGTs)?
- What is the role of an independent gas transporter?
- Major UK independent gas transporters (IGTs)
- How to identify an independent gas transporter
- Regulation and pricing of independent gas transporters
- Connecting to an independent gas transporter
What are independent gas transporters (IGTs)?
Independent gas transporters (IGTs) are private companies licensed by Ofgem to own and operate gas pipeline networks connected to, but outside of, the core British gas grid.
They were introduced after the deregulation of the gas market, which ended the monopoly once held by British Gas and opened the network to multiple licensed operators.
IGTs design, install, and maintain gas pipelines in areas not covered by the regional Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), including new housing estates, business parks, and rural developments.
Each IGT connects its system to the wider gas distribution network, allowing gas to flow from the national transmission system into its local pipelines.
Although IGTs build and manage the physical network, they are not gas suppliers and do not sell gas directly to customers. Instead, they charge domestic and business energy suppliers for using their pipelines to deliver gas.
Ofgem regulates these charges to ensure they remain consistent with other gas distribution costs, protecting homes and businesses connected to an independent gas transporter network.
What is the role of an independent gas transporter?
Independent gas transporters connect new housing developments, rural areas, and industrial estates in off-grid locations to the main gas infrastructure. Their role is to design, build, and maintain the pipelines that link these developments to the national grid.
Here’s how they operate across their key responsibilities:
1. Infrastructure development
IGTs design and construct new gas pipelines in areas where the regional Gas Distribution Networks do not extend. They work alongside developers and utility providers to deliver bespoke infrastructure for new housing or commercial projects.
Each network must comply with the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 and the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996, ensuring the safe design, installation, and operation of gas systems.
Many independent gas transporters also offer multi-utility connections, managing joint infrastructure for electricity (as an IDNO), water, and fibre broadband to simplify projects for developers.
2. Operation and maintenance
Once a network is live, the IGT is responsible for operating and maintaining it. This includes annual inspections, maintenance, and ensuring compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
IGTs must have agreements with regional GDNs to manage emergency response through the National Gas Emergency Service, ensuring any gas leaks or faults are handled quickly and in line with national safety standards.
3. Third-party access
IGTs enable registered gas shippers and suppliers to use their independent networks to deliver gas to properties connected to them. They do not transport gas themselves, as their role is to operate and maintain the network infrastructure.
They charge regulated fees for this service, ensuring all users are treated fairly and on equal terms. Ofgem oversees these charges to keep them consistent with costs across the wider UK gas market.
4. Market competition
Independent gas transporters play an important role in driving competition within the gas market. By extending the network to new and previously off-grid areas, they provide an alternative to the regional Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) and give property developers greater choice when arranging new gas connections.
According to Ofgem, around 3 million customers in Great Britain are now connected through IGT networks, a figure that continues to rise each year. The Independent Networks Association estimates that around 80% of new gas networks for housing developments are now delivered by IGTs, showing just how influential they have become in the new-build market.
By opening the market to more operators, IGTs encourage competitive pricing for connections and help reduce infrastructure costs. This increased competition supports fairer business gas prices and more stable business gas bills.
Major independent gas transporters
In the UK, there are currently 15 licenced independent gas transporters (IGTs), each covering a slightly different geographical and market segment. Here’s a summary of the ten biggest:
| Independent Gas Transporter | Assets/Operations | Operating Since |
|---|---|---|
| GTC Pipelines | Operates over 20,000 km of utility networks across the UK, serving residential and commercial developments. | 1995 |
| Independent Pipelines | Provides local gas distribution, primarily focused on smaller, rural, or off-grid developments. | 1992 |
| Indigo Pipelines | Manages over 200,000 gas connections across the UK, focusing on new housing and business developments. | 1992 |
| ES Pipelines | Runs pipelines serving over 1 million homes across the UK, working closely with developers on new builds. | 1998 |
| Energy Assets Pipelines | One of the largest independent operators, with assets including gas, electricity, and water networks. Operates nationally. | 2005 |
| Fulcrum Pipelines | Operates pipelines across the UK, with a focus on new housing and commercial projects. Works with developers for infrastructure. | 2007 |
| Murphy Gas Networks Limited | Primarily focused on infrastructure construction and pipeline adoption for housing developments. | 2017 |
| Leep Gas Networks Limited | Manages gas networks for new residential and industrial estates, partnering with developers. | 2017 |
| Quadrant Pipelines | Part of the GTC group, operating in partnership to extend gas networks in the UK. | 1990 |
| Harlaxton Gas Networks | Focuses on gas distribution in the Midlands and North of England, with significant regional infrastructure. | 2016 |
Source: Ofgem
How to identify an independent gas transporter
Your business is connected to an independent gas transporter’s network if:
- The MPRN associated with your business gas connection begins with 74, 75, 76, or 77.
- Your business gas bill indicates “IGT” on the first page (only some suppliers indicate this).
- Otherwise, you can contact your business gas supplier to ask directly.
Please read our guide on the role of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in the UK.
Regulation and pricing of independent gas transporters
Ofgem regulates independent gas transporters to ensure fair pricing, safety, and consistent service standards across the gas network.
The minimum service standards for IGTs include:
- Providing new connection quotes within a set timeframe.
- Responding promptly to complaints.
- Meeting defined performance targets for fault repair and network reliability.
- Complying with national gas safety regulations.
Relative Price Controls (RPCs)
Ofgem applies Relative Price Controls, set out under Standard Condition 4B of the Gas Transporter Licence, to ensure customers on IGT networks do not face significantly higher business gas standing charges or transportation costs than those connected to the main gas distribution networks.
The key components of these controls include:
- Price cap on network charges: IGT transportation fees cannot exceed the equivalent charges set by the relevant regional gas network.
- Price benchmarking: Ofgem reviews IGT tariffs annually to ensure alignment with regional distribution costs.
- Annual review: Adjustments reflect inflation and operational changes, maintaining parity with GDN pricing structures.
These controls primarily apply to domestic and small business users on IGT networks. Large industrial or commercial sites with bespoke network arrangements may operate outside the Relative Price Control mechanism.
Connecting to an independent gas transporter
In this section, we’ll explain how to arrange a new commercial gas connection or change a gas meter for businesses in an IGT area.
New business gas connection to an IGT network
If you are looking to arrange a new gas connection to a commercial property in an independent gas transporter network area, the IGT will need to handle the physical connection of your property to their network.
The new connection process typically involves the following steps:
- The IGT reviews and approves the proposed new connection to ensure sufficient network capacity.
- The IGT issues an MPRN for the new connection.
- The IGT provides a quote for the necessary pipeline installation to connect the new property.
- The IGT completes the groundwork to lay new pipes to the property.
For more information, visit our full guide to new business gas connections.
Can IGT networks supply all types of businesses?
Independent gas transporters can supply most commercial properties, including all small business energy customers.
However, limitations may exist for industrial, manufacturing, or gas power stations where demand for natural gas is extremely high.
An IGT can only support a new gas connection if there is sufficient infrastructure to meet the gas requirements.
Gas meter installation on an IGT network
An independent gas transporter provides the connection point, not the meter itself. The installation, exchange, or maintenance of a gas meter must be arranged through a licensed gas supplier, who will appoint an accredited installer.
All engineers carrying out meter work must be Gas Safe registered and authorised to work on commercial gas systems.
Your chosen supplier will coordinate meter installation after the IGT has completed the connection to its network and issued an MPRN.
For more information, visit our business gas meter installation guide.
Independent gas transporters – FAQs
Our business energy experts answer commonly asked questions on independent gas transporters in Britain.
Are there additional charges when using an independent gas transporter?
Yes, IGTs charge suppliers for using their networks, and customers pay these costs in their gas bills.
However, since Ofgem regulates these charges, the costs are similar to using the regular national gas network.
In summary, using an IGT costs essentially the same as a regular connection in the national gas grid.
Can I switch my business gas supplier if I’m on an IGT network?
Yes, you can switch business energy suppliers just like any other customer in the national gas grid.
Being in an IGT network is bound by the same accessibility regulations and, therefore, doesn’t affect your ability to change suppliers.
💡We can help you compare business gas prices and find a cheaper and better supplier.
What happens if my independent gas transporter goes out of business?
Ofgem has processes in place to ensure the continuity of supply if an IGT goes out of business.
Ofgem will follow a managed transfer process to ensure a new operator takes over and continues to operate the IGT network.
Since businesses and households purchase gas from licensed gas suppliers rather than directly from an IGT, consumers won’t notice any difference in billing or customer service.
What are the benefits of being on an IGT network?
Ultimately, from a consumer perspective, there is very little difference between being on an IGT network and being on one of the five major gas distribution networks. There is no difference in pricing or gas supply quality.
The reason new housing developments and business parks choose an IGT is that they can typically deliver new projects more quickly than the larger Gas Distribution Network Operators.
What’s the difference between an IGT and a GDN?
Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) are privately owned companies that build and operate gas networks in areas not covered by the main Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs).
GDNs are larger regional operators, such as Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, and Wales & West Utilities, which manage the core parts of the national gas grid.
IGTs are independent networks that extend coverage to new housing developments, business parks, and off-grid areas, while GDNs handle established regional networks and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Are there specific IGT charges?
Yes. IGTs charge licensed gas shippers and energy suppliers for using their pipelines to deliver gas to end users. These costs are passed on through your supplier’s tariff.
To keep these charges fair, Ofgem applies Relative Price Controls (Standard Condition 4B), which limit IGT fees so they stay in line with the charges set by the regional GDNs.
How do I find out which IGT covers my area?
You can find out whether your property is connected to a Gas Distribution Network (GDN) or an independent gas transporter by visiting the Find My Supplier website.
Simply enter your postcode, and it will display the name of the GDN or IGT that operates your local gas network.
Can I request to move from an IGT to a GDN network?
In most cases, you cannot switch from an IGT to a GDN.
Each network operates under its own licensed infrastructure, and physical relocation from one to another would require extensive pipeline work that is rarely viable.
However, if new infrastructure is installed nearby, an IGT or GDN may adopt existing assets, though this usually happens only at a network level rather than for individual properties.
Why is my standing charge different on an IGT network?
Standing charges for properties connected to an independent gas transporter can differ slightly from those on a Gas Distribution Network (GDN). This is because suppliers include the IGT’s network transportation fees within their tariffs.
These charges reflect the cost of maintaining separate pipeline infrastructure, but Ofgem regulates them through Relative Price Controls to ensure they stay broadly consistent with GDN rates.
Do I need to contact my IGT directly?
No, in most cases, you should contact your business gas supplier, not the IGT.
Your supplier manages billing, contracts, and metering. The IGT only manages the physical infrastructure and network maintenance.
If you experience an emergency, such as a gas leak, contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, which will liaise with your IGT or GDN if needed.
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