GAS network operators have resumed return work with 200 new customer connections recorded in the past week.
The Department for the Economy (DfE) said companies including firmus energy, Phoenix Natural Gas and SGN Natural Gas are now investing around £1m per week in the gas network.
The firms had only been providing only essential maintenance and emergency services during the Covid-19 lockdown.
DfE said there are now more than 275,000 customer gas connections in the north, with plans to pass 320,000 by 2022.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: “This is a welcome boost at a time when we are starting to rebuild from the devastating impact this virus has had on our economy.
“On our pathway to net zero carbon, connecting more customers to gas is reducing emissions significantly as natural gas is the lowest carbon fossil fuel.
“I want to take this opportunity to once again thank the gas industry for working very hard during the pandemic to ensure a safe and secure supply of energy for householders.”
Utility Regulator chief executive Jenny Pyper added: “Fantastic progress has been made in developing the natural gas network across Northern Ireland. More consumers than ever can now choose natural gas, which provides an affordable, cleaner and convenient form of energy.
“It is very encouraging that, despite the impact of the pandemic, our natural gas industry is continuing to safely connect new customers across Northern Ireland and supporting the ambition to further grow the natural gas network.”
