What Are Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs)?

Independent gas transporters (IGTs) are private companies licensed by Ofgem to own, build, and operate local gas pipeline networks that connect to but sit outside the main UK Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). Around 3 million homes and businesses in Great Britain are connected to an IGT network, with the majority located on new housing developments and commercial estates built since the gas market was deregulated in the 1990s.

IGTs do not supply gas. Their role is to own and maintain the physical pipelines through which licensed suppliers deliver gas to your property. Understanding whether your property sits on an independent gas transporter network matters it affects your meter reference number, which suppliers can serve you, and in some cases your connection and standing charges.

IGT Meaning: What Does IGT Stand For?

IGT stands for Independent Gas Transporter. IGTs (Independent Gas Transporters) are gas network operators that work independently from the 4 main regional Gas Distribution Networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities. Where a GDN owns the existing gas grid, an IGT builds and operates new pipeline extensions serving developments the main grid does not reach.

The plural abbreviation IGTs is used when referring to multiple independent gas transporters collectively. Ofgem licenses each IGT individually, and every licensed company must comply with the Gas Act 1986, the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996, and the IGT Uniform Network Code (IGT UNC) the industry governance framework that sets operational standards for all IGT networks.

How Do Independent Gas Transporters Work?

IGTs connect their pipelines to the main gas distribution network at a point called a Connected System Entry Point (CSEP). Gas flows from the National Transmission System (NTS) into the GDN, then through the CSEP into the IGT's local network, and finally into properties on that network. Some IGT networks connect indirectly one IGT feeds into another IGT's system before reaching the end property.

Once a property is connected to an IGT network, licensed gas suppliers use that network to deliver gas, just as they would on a GDN. The IGT charges the supplier a transportation fee regulated by Ofgem for using its pipelines. That cost is passed on within the unit rate or standing charge on the customer's energy bill.

The 4 steps of IGT gas delivery:

1. Gas enters the UK via the National Transmission System (NTS), operated by National Gas Transmission

2. The regional GDN (Cadent, NGN, SGN, or WWU) moves gas through local medium and low-pressure pipes

3. Gas crosses the Connected System Entry Point into the IGT's independent pipeline network

4. The IGT delivers gas to your meter; your licensed supplier bills you for the gas consumed

What Is the Role of an Independent Gas Transporter?

Independent gas transporters carry out 4 core functions within the UK gas distribution network:

1. Infrastructure Development

IGTs design and build gas pipeline infrastructure for new developments that the regional GDNs do not serve. Around 80% of new gas networks for housing developments in Great Britain are now delivered by independent gas transporters rather than the main GDNs. This makes IGTs the dominant providers of new gas connections in the new-build residential market.

Many IGTs also offer multi-utility connections, handling gas pipelines alongside electricity distribution (as an Independent Distribution Network Operator, or IDNO), water, and fibre broadband reducing coordination work for property developers.

2. Network Operation and Maintenance

Once a pipeline network is live, the IGT operates and maintains it. This includes annual safety inspections, fault repairs, pressure management, and compliance with the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996. IGTs must also maintain emergency response agreements with the regional GDN to ensure the National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999) can be called out for any gas leak or fault on the network.

3. Third-Party Network Access

IGTs provide open, non-discriminatory access to their pipeline networks for all licensed gas shippers and suppliers. A gas transporter does not choose which supplier uses its network any licensed supplier operating in the area can access it on equal terms at Ofgem-regulated transportation charges.

4. Market Competition

By opening gas network infrastructure to private competition, IGTs reduce costs for developers and increase access to gas in areas the main GDNs might not prioritise. Ofgem estimates that approximately 3 million customers in Great Britain are now served through IGT networks, a number that grows each year as new housing estates and commercial developments come online.

UK Gas Distribution Networks: GDNs vs IGTs

The UK gas distribution network consists of 2 tiers of operator. The first tier comprises the 4 licensed Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) that own the main regional pipelines:

• Cadent Gas: serves the North West, East of England, West Midlands, and North London

• Northern Gas Networks (NGN): covers the North of England

• SGN (Southern Gas Networks): operates in Scotland and the South East of England

• Wales & West Utilities (WWU): covers Wales and the South West of England

Independent gas transporters form the second tier. Their networks sit within GDN regions but operate independently, connecting properties and developments that branch off the main grid. IGT networks are always smaller and more localised than GDN infrastructure, typically serving a single housing estate, business park, or rural community rather than an entire city or region.

List of Independent Gas Transporter Companies in the UK

There are currently 13 licensed independent gas transporter companies operating in the UK. The 10 major independent gas transporters are listed below:

Among these, Indigo Pipelines and Independent Pipelines are among the oldest, having operated since 1992. Energy Assets Pipelines (registered address: Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WU) is one of the largest by network size, with gas, electricity, and water assets across Great Britain.

How to Check If You Are on an IGT Network

The simplest way to check if your property connects to an independent gas transporter network is to look at your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). Your MPRN appears on your gas bill or can be found by calling your current supplier.

If your MPRN starts with 74, 75, 76, or 77, you are on an IGT network. MPRNs beginning with 73 or lower indicate a property connected to one of the 4 main GDNs.

3 other ways to identify an IGT connection:

1. Your gas bill shows 'IGT' or an independent gas transporter name in the network section

2. Your property is on a newer housing estate built after the mid-1990s

3. You contact your gas supplier directly and ask which gas transporter manages your pipeline

How Are Independent Gas Transporters Regulated?

Ofgem licenses and regulates all independent gas transporters under the Gas Act 1986. Each IGT must hold a valid gas transporter licence and comply with the IGT Uniform Network Code (IGT UNC) the operational and commercial framework that governs how IGTs interact with gas shippers, suppliers, and the wider market.

Ofgem sets price controls on the transportation charges IGTs can pass on to suppliers. This ensures that customers connected to an IGT network pay broadly equivalent distribution costs to those on the main GDNs. The charges are reviewed periodically under Ofgem's RIIO (Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs) framework.

Safety regulation falls under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which oversees compliance with the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 and the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996. All IGTs must maintain emergency response procedures and hold network emergency coordinator agreements with the relevant GDN.

Do Independent Gas Transporters Affect Your Energy Bills?

Being on an IGT network can affect your gas bills in 2 ways. First, some energy suppliers add a small premium to the standing charge for properties on IGT networks to cover their additional administrative and network costs. Second, not all gas suppliers operate on every IGT network, which can limit the number of deals available when you compare and switch.

The unit rate you pay for gas is not affected by being on an IGT network. Ofgem's price controls ensure transportation charges remain consistent with GDN rates, so the cost of the gas itself is the same. The difference, where it exists, shows up in the daily standing charge rather than the pence-per-kWh rate.

To make sure you're on the best available deal for your IGT-connected property, compare energy tariffs available at your address here.

Can You Switch Gas Supplier If You Are on an IGT Network?

Yes you can switch gas supplier even if your property is on an independent gas transporter network. Switching works the same way as for any other property: compare deals, choose a tariff, and your new supplier manages the transfer. The IGT remains the same; only the supplier delivering gas through its pipes changes.

The only practical difference is that fewer suppliers may offer tariffs on some IGT networks, particularly smaller or more regional ones. When you enter your postcode and MPRN on a comparison site, results will automatically filter to suppliers that operate on your network.

Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Gas Transporters

What is an independent gas transporter (IGT)?

An independent gas transporter is a private company licensed by Ofgem to own and operate local gas pipeline networks that connect to but sit outside the main UK Gas Distribution Networks. IGTs build gas connections for new housing estates, business parks, and rural developments. Around 3 million UK homes and businesses receive gas through an IGT network.

What does IGT mean on a gas bill?

IGT on a gas bill means your property is connected to an Independent Gas Transporter network rather than one of the 4 main regional Gas Distribution Networks. It identifies who owns the pipeline delivering gas to your meter. Your supplier is still responsible for your bill the IGT simply owns and maintains the pipes.

How do I know if I am on an IGT network?

Check your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) on your gas bill. If your MPRN begins with 74, 75, 76, or 77, you are on an IGT network. MPRNs starting with 73 or below indicate a main GDN connection.

Who regulates independent gas transporters?

Ofgem regulates independent gas transporters under the Gas Act 1986, overseeing licensing, transportation charges, and network access. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces safety compliance under the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996.

What is Indigo Pipelines?

Indigo Pipelines Limited is one of the UK's oldest and largest independent gas transporters, established in 1992 and registered at 100 Brook Green, Reading, RG2 6UJ. Indigo Pipelines manages over 200,000 gas connections, primarily serving new housing estates and commercial developments across Great Britain.

Are IGT transportation charges higher than GDN charges?

Not necessarily Ofgem sets price controls on IGT transportation charges to keep them broadly consistent with GDN rates. Some suppliers apply a small standing charge supplement for IGT properties, but the unit rate for gas remains the same. The practical cost difference, where it exists, is typically a few pence per day.

What is the difference between a GDN and an IGT?

A GDN (Gas Distribution Network) owns the main regional gas grid covering large parts of the UK. An IGT owns a smaller, independent pipeline network that branches off the GDN to serve specific developments. There are 4 GDNs in the UK and 13 licensed IGTs. GDNs cover entire regions; IGTs serve individual estates or developments within those regions.