Gas: getting connected or switching

If your home has never been connected to the gas network, first check if gas is available in your area. You can do this by using the Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) Gas Network Map.

If gas is available, you can either:

• Contact GNI to apply and pay for connection
• Sign up with a gas supplier, who can organise connection with GNI for you

What GNI will do:

GNI will install the external gas pipes and meter you need to set up the connection.

What you need to do:

• Hire a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) to complete the internal work on the house, such as gas pipes and connection to appliances.
• Get a conformance certificate from the RGI when the internal work is done

If you want to disconnect from the gas supply because of building or renovation work, contact GNI for advice.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has more information about getting a gas connection.

Your gas supplier can charge a deposit. Each supplier has its own deposit policy, which must be fair, transparent and reasonable.

The deposit must be returned in your final bill after your contract ends (usually after 12 months).

Your supplier must tell you if you are at risk of losing your deposit and what you can do to keep it.

If you are on a low income and cannot afford to pay a deposit, check if you are eligible for help from your local INTREO office.

The CRU’s Electricity and gas supplier’s handbook (pdf) has more information about security deposits (at page 33).

Moving in

If your new home already has a gas connection:

• Contact a gas supplier to set up a new service account
• Give them a meter reading as soon as possible

If you are renting, your landlord can do this for you.

To avoid the meter being locked or disconnected before you move in, tell the supplier as soon as possible that there will be a change of ownership or occupier.

You do not have to pay for any gas used by the previous occupier.

Moving out

If you are already a gas customer and you are moving out, contact your supplier in advance to provide:

• A final meter reading
• Your new address
• The name of the new occupant (if known)

If you do not do this, you will be responsible for any gas used after you’ve left.

If you are not happy with your current gas supplier, you can switch. Check if you are in a fixed term contract. If you are, you may be charged for leaving early.

Before you switch:

• Check your current bill to see what your usage is, the average amount you pay and how payment is taken
• Find out when your current contract ends
• Use a price comparison website
• Try to renegotiate with your current supplier
• Make sure you have your Gas Point Registration Number (GPRN) (located on your bill) and an up-to-date meter reading ready

The new supplier will tell the old supplier that you will be changing over. The CRU has more information about switching supplier.

What if I change my mind?

You can cancel the contract within 14 days if you signed up over the phone or online. This is called a ‘cooling-off’ period. The cooling-off period is extended to 30 days if you bought at your doorstep.

You can find out more about your consumer rights.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regulates the gas industry.

Suppliers must follow the CRU’s Supplier Handbook (pdf), and have codes of practices covering how they will deal with consumers.

Every supplier must publish its customer charter and codes on its website. Read more about the regulation of utilities.

Who to contact depends on the issue.

Contact your gas supplier for:

• Billing or account problems
• Marketing or advertising issues
• Changing supplier

Contact GNI for:

• Meter problems
• Connection delays or costs
• Emergencies or outages

If you cannot sort out the problem informally, you can complain in writing to either your supplier or the network provider.

If you are not happy with the response from your provider, you can:

• Contact the Commission for Regulation of Utilities for information and advice, and if necessary, to use its complaint resolution service
• Take a claim against the company through the courts using the Small Claims Procedure

CRU has more energy information in its dedicated customer information section.

Read more about:

• Paying your gas bills
• How utility suppliers are regulated