Inter-Supply Point Transfer of Firm to Interruptible ('Buddying')

Description

This service will allow a shipper to release the capacity which has been allocated to a firm supply point and where the configuration of the system permits, allow it to be temporarily re-allocated to an interruptible supply point. The net result is that an interruptible supply point can continue to consume gas during periods of interruption, in exchange for it's 'Firm Buddy' interrupting.

Sites suitable for this service

The following conditions would need to be satisfied to enable the site swapping from firm to be accepted as an interruptible supply point:

  • The meter or meters making up the interruptible supply points must use more than 5,860,000 kWh (200,000 therms) per annum.
  • Both sites must be daily metered.
  • The site must be able to cope during periods of interruption at which time the interruptible gas load will not be allowed to flow.
  • Transco would need to test whether the loss of interruption at the one site is physically compensated for by the firm site changing to interruptible. This test would need to be undertaken across the whole network from a local to national level.

Rule of thumb guidelines to help select compatible sites are as follows:

  • Firm site Supply Point Capacity (also known as SOQ) maximum daily consumption must be at least 90% of the interruptible sites SOQ.
  • Firm site Supply Point Offtake Rate (also known as SHQ) maximum hourly consumption must be at least 90% of the interruptible sites SHQ.
  • The Firm site must be in an exit zone which incurs a higher transportation charge.
  • Both sites should exhibit similar usage patterns on Bank holidays, weekends etc.

No proportional splits of interruption are allowed between the two sites.

Benefits

  • Compatible with IFA, which would allow capacity management and flexibility for both gas consumer and shipper. Thus enabling a propration of the site load to burn during an interruption period, without incurring a failure to interrupt penalty.
  • Compatible with Partial giving additional flexibility to capacity management.
  • Allows a site to temporarily transfer from an interruptible supply point to a firm supply point.
  • Allows a gas consumer to match production and supply requirements across different sites.
  • Assist shippers to manage their interruptible portfolio, thus optimising supply and demand.
  • Permits an interruptible supply point to officially burn gas up to an agreed quantity during interruption.
  • Does not incur NTS reinforcement cost.
    Service Request Details

For gas consumers to progress a Buddying request further, please provide the following information to your gas shipper/supplier who will instigate the process with their Transporter.


Firm Sites

  • Site Contact   
  • Company Name   
  • Site Address   
  • Post Code   
  • Meter Point Reference Numbers   
    Annual Consumption (AQ) in kWh
  • Supply Point Capacity
    (SOQ - max daily quantity) in kWh
  • Supply Point Offtake Rate
    (SHQ - max hourly quantity) in kWh

Interruptible Sites

  • Site Contact   
  • Company Name   
  • Site Address   
  • Post Code   
  • Meter Point Reference Numbers   
    Annual Consumption (AQ) in kWh
  • Supply Point Capacity
    (SOQ - max daily quantity) in kWh
  • Supply Point Offtake Rate
    (SHQ - max hourly quantity)  in kWh

Application form P105 should be submitted by the Shipper to the relevant Transporter using the contact details below:

For DN Sites: Fax 01455 232856

For NTS Sites: Fax 01926 498506