Our distribution networks comprises almost 50% of Britain's gas distribution system. Gas is distributed over a network of approximately 82,000 miles, on behalf of 70 active gas shippers, Our local distribution networks deliver gas to some 11 million meters in homes, offices and factories in Britain.

 Gas is pumped through the system by compressor stations located around the country. An interconnector to Belgium links our gas transportation system to continental Europe's high pressure gas grid. A further two interconnectors supply gas to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Safety is National Grid's number one priority. We spend approximately  £250 million per annum on replacing gas assets including the annual replacement of around 1,800 kms of iron main.

We also operates the freephone 24-hour national gas emergency service (0800 111 999). Its three call centres between them receive in the region of 6.5 million calls each year and respond to around 1.4 million gas escape reports. 
Our gas transportation system is highly regulated and subject to price controls set by the regulator, Ofgem. The next gas distribution review will take effect from 1 April 2008.

• www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas/

Fulcrum provides gas connection services on behalf of National Grid and other independent gas distribution network owners. It connects around 130,000 new domestic and industrial customers to the gas network each year and additional connections services such as alterations. Its expertise and state-of-the-art systems enable it to deliver an end-to-end works management service.

Following the sales of four of the gas distribution networks, Fulcrum is being restructured so that the domestic connections activity it carries out for UK Gas Distribution will be reintegrated into the retained distribution networks over the coming year.

Launched on 1 May 2005 xoserve Limited, formally an internal department of National Grid, is the interface between the UK gas distribution industry, the national gas transmission system and the gas shipper companies.

xoserve is jointly owned by all the gas distribution Network companies and National Grids gas transmission business. It delivers transportation transactional services on behalf of the Networks to the gas Shipper companies. The main services it provides are:

• Recording and calculation of transportation volumes
• Transportation Billing
• Energy balancing Invoicing and Cash collection
• Demand estimation
• Information Services
• Supply Point Administration
• UK-Link Services (provision of Systems)

• www.xoserve.com