As the UK transitions toward a low-carbon economy, the landscape for gas connections on new developments is changing fast. What was once a routine part of project planning has become a complex mix of regulation, policy shifts, and long-term uncertainty.
Government strategy now leans firmly toward electrification. The Future Homes Standard, due to come into force this year, will effectively end the installation of new gas boilers in newly built homes. This means that developers are re-evaluating the need for traditional gas infrastructure altogether and in many cases, are exploring alternatives such as heat pumps, communal energy networks, or hybrid systems.
But even where gas remains part of the plan for mixed-use developments, industrial sites, or transitional schemes, securing new connections can be challenging. Reinforcement costs, limited network capacity, and coordination between gas and power utilities can all lead to unforeseen complications.
At BTS, we can help developers to navigate these changes. We can assess whether a gas connection is still viable or cost-effective, engage with network operators early on to understand constraints, and provide planning utility strategies that will align with future regulation and sustainability goals.
The direction of traffic is clear: the UK is moving toward a more electrocentric energy system. But for developers delivering projects today, understanding how gas is likely to fit into that transition will be vital if they are to manage costs now and future-proof their investments for later.
