National Grid has today accepted the proposed fine from Ofgem for failing to meet its licence obligations to attend and assess gas escapes within specific time limits over winter 2010/11.

John Pettigrew, COO of National Grid’s gas distribution business, said: “Last winter was one of the harshest seen in this country for many years, and our teams worked extremely hard in difficult conditions. We missed our target and told Ofgem as soon as we knew this would be the case, working closely with them during their investigation.

“We take our responsibility to attend and manage gas escapes very seriously, and we have learned lessons from last year that we have embedded into the improved plans we have put in place for this coming winter,” added John.

The fine of £4.3m has been proposed by Ofgem for the period between April 2010 and March 2011. The licence condition is to respond to 97% of gas escapes within one hour for uncontrolled and two hours for controlled escapes. For controlled gas escapes, National Grid missed the target in two of its four networks, with 96.8% and 95.1%. For uncontrolled gas escapes, National Grid reached between 92.1% and 96.1% across all four of its gas networks.

-ENDS-

National Grid media contacts:
 
Chris Mostyn
T: 020 7004 3149
E: chris.mostyn@ngrid.com

Gemma Stokes
T: 01926 655272
E: gemma.stokes@uk.ngrid.com
 

Notes to editors

National Grid:
 
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks.
 
In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country. In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.
 
National Grid in the UK:
• We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
• We own and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
• Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses
• We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
• National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored).
• More information at www.nationalgrid.com/uk
• Images available at www.flickr.com/photos/national_grid/sets/