National Grid is responsible for ensuring that gas is delivered to over 20 million consumers around the country safely and efficiently.
- In 1986, British Gas was privatised. Seven years later, after a Monopolies and Mergers Commission report the company was re-structured into five business divisions.
- In 1997, the company was demerged into two separate companies - BG plc and Centrica. Transco became part of BG plc and in December 1999 Transco became a plc - BG Transco plc.
- In October 2000 a demerger from BG plc resulted in Transco becoming a plc as part of the Lattice Group plc.
- Two years on, Lattice Group plc merged with National Grid to form National Grid Transco plc - the UK's largest utility. Transco plc continued to operate within National Grid Transco plc.
- On 27th July 2005 National Grid Transco plc changed its name to National Grid plc.
- On 10th October, Transco plc changed its name to National Grid Gas plc.
- As Transco, the company was a major player in the drive to open up competition in gas supply. In 1990, large industrial consumers were able to choose their own gas supplier. In 1992, smaller industrial consumers were allowed to select a supplier other than British Gas, and in 1996 a pilot for domestic competition took place in the south west of England. By the end of 1998 all gas consumers were able to choose their own supplier.
Whoever they choose as a supplier, National Grid will continue to ensure all consumers receive their gas safely and reliably.