GIRS accredited gas connection specialists

Commercial & Industrial Gas Connections

Commercial and industrial gas connections across all pressure tiers. From load assessment and bespoke GDN application to pressure regulation, metering, and adoption.

GIRS accredited All pressure tiers Bespoke quotations
The Process
1
Peak demand assessment
2
GDN bespoke application
3
Installation & regulation
4
Commissioning & adoption
From Application to Live Supply

The Process Step by Step

Every commercial gas connection follows a clear, auditable sequence. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.

1

Peak Demand Assessment and Load Schedule

Accurate peak demand assessment is the foundation of every commercial gas connection. USP prepares a full load schedule that records the rated input of every gas-fired appliance on site: boilers, catering equipment, process plant, space heating, hot water, and any standby loads. Demand diversity factors are applied where appropriate. The resulting peak demand figure, expressed in cubic metres per hour, determines the pressure tier required, the meter capacity needed, and whether the existing GDN network can support the load without reinforcement. Getting this right at the outset avoids abortive design work and costly programme delays.

2

GDN Application and Bespoke Quotation

Commercial gas applications above 73,200 kWh per annum fall outside the standard domestic allowance and require a bespoke quotation from the GDN. This involves a full network analysis to assess whether the existing main has sufficient capacity, whether an extension is needed, and whether any upstream reinforcement is required. USP prepares and submits the formal application, liaises with the GDN throughout the quotation process, and advises on whether the offer represents fair value. For MP and IP connections, additional design work covers the new pressure regulation assembly and any contestable pipework upstream of the meter.

3

Installation and Pressure Regulation

For MP and IP connections, a pressure regulating assembly (PRA) or governor installation is required on site to reduce network pressure to the appliance operating pressure. USP designs the regulation scheme, specifies the appropriate governor or pressure regulating equipment, and manages the contestable installation works. The non-contestable tapping and live main connection is carried out by the GDN under a separate programme. USP coordinates both elements to avoid gaps in the programme. All pipework is installed, jointed, and pressure tested in accordance with the relevant IGE/TD standards.

4

Metering, Commissioning and Adoption

Commercial gas meters are specified to match the peak demand calculated in the load schedule. For sites above 73,500 kWh per year, half-hourly AMR or SMETS2 smart metering equipment is mandatory. USP specifies the meter index, selects the appropriate AMR communications technology, and coordinates installation with the gas shipper and meter operator. The GDN formally adopts the connection infrastructure and issues the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which is required before a gas supplier can activate the supply. USP tracks this process to ensure the MPRN is in place when commissioning is due.

Key Technical Considerations

Technical Specifications

The critical parameters that govern every commercial and industrial gas connection.

LP supply
Below 75 mbar. Standard for most small commercial premises with gas loads below 73,200 kWh/yr.
MP supply
75 mbar to 2 bar. Required for larger commercial and light industrial sites with higher gas loads or where network pressure is elevated.
IP supply
2 bar to 7 bar. Required for significant industrial loads. On-site pressure regulation to LP or MP is mandatory before appliance connections.
Meter capacity
Expressed in m³/h, matched to the peak demand calculated in the load schedule. Undersized meters cause pressure drop and appliance shutdowns.
MPRN
Meter Point Reference Number. Issued by Xoserve after GDN adoption. Required before a gas supplier can register the supply and arrange commercial metering.
Smart/AMR metering
Mandatory above 73,500 kWh/yr. Half-hourly data collection required for AQ above this threshold. USP specifies meter type and communications method during design.
Why Choose USP

What USP Can Do For You

End-to-end capability from a single GIRS-accredited provider.

GIRS accredited at all pressure tiers: LP, MP, and IP. USP is authorised by Cadent Gas and approved by Lloyd's Register.
Detailed load schedules and peak demand assessments produced in-house, forming the basis of every GDN application and meter specification.
Full GDN application management for bespoke commercial quotations, including liaison, negotiation, and programme coordination.
In-house pressure regulation and meter specification design, covering governor selection, PRA sizing, and AMR communications planning.
Experience across the full range of commercial and industrial sites: from single commercial units to large multi-tenanted industrial estates.
Certified Provider

Fully Accredited & Committed to Safety

Every gas connection we deliver meets the highest industry standards. Worker safety, public safety, environmental responsibility, and project compliance from planning to sign-off.

WaterSafe accredited
WIAPS accredited
LRQA WIRS certified
LRQA NERS certified
LRQA GIRS certified
ISO 9001 certified
Achilles UVDB Silver Plus
Constructionline member
SSIP accredited
Acclaim accredited
What Our Clients Say About Us

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Commercial Gas Connection FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial and industrial properties can be connected at low pressure (LP, below 75 mbar), medium pressure (MP, 75 mbar to 2 bar), or intermediate pressure (IP, 2 bar to 7 bar), depending on the peak demand of the site. Most small commercial premises connect at LP, while larger industrial sites with significant gas loads typically require MP or IP connections with on-site pressure regulation.
Sizing is based on a peak demand assessment that takes account of the rated input of all gas-fired appliances on site, operating patterns, and any diversity assumptions. USP prepares a full load schedule and submits this as part of the formal GDN application. Undersized connections cause pressure drop and appliance failures. Oversizing wastes money and delays procurement.
The GDN Domestic Load Connection Allowance (a subsidy that typically covers the first 10 metres of mains extension for residential customers) does not apply to commercial loads above 73,200 kWh per annum. Above this threshold, a bespoke quotation is required and the developer or occupier meets the full cost of any mains reinforcement or extension.
Timelines vary significantly by pressure tier and by how much network analysis the GDN needs to carry out. A straightforward LP connection to an existing main may take 8 to 12 weeks from application. An MP or IP connection requiring a bespoke quotation and network reinforcement can take 20 to 40 weeks. USP identifies programme risk early and plans accordingly.
Smart (SMETS2) or AMR metering is mandatory for new commercial connections above 73,500 kWh per year. Half-hourly data collection is required for larger sites. USP specifies the appropriate meter and communications equipment during design and coordinates the metering installation with the gas supplier.
Yes. USP delivers commercial and industrial gas connections across England and Wales, working with Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities depending on the location. We manage the GDN interface regardless of which network is responsible for the area.
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