A new approach to the distribution of gas in a large network is suggested. Instead of minimizing running costs, the authors propose the minimization of power changes of the gas stream through the pipes of the whole system. For this purpose, the specific enthalpy of the gas is used. An example is given in which the gas network includes three compressor stations and 37 pipes. Running costs and power changes of the gas stream have been calculated for this example so that a comparison between the two objective functions can be made.