You may have heard that National Grid is embarking on a programme to replace 91,000km of iron gas mains around the country.
The programme targets iron mains within 30 metres of property, and will see the iron pipes replaced with yellow polyethylene pipes. Polyethylene is a plastic material; it is flexible and highly resistant to corrosion.
Some Points to Remember
- The gas pipeline network is as safe as it has ever been and our mains replacement programme builds on this
- The replacement programme has been developed after lengthy and comprehensive discussions between National Grid, the Health & Safety Executive (responsible for industry safety) and Ofgem, the energy industry regulator
- A programme to replace more than 90,000km of gas pipe is inevitably going to lead to more Streetworks – but National Grid will endeavour at all times to keep any disruption or inconvenience to a minimum. Where possible, we use technology such as ‘no dig’ techniques, trenchless working and directional drilling to help us achieve this goal
- National Grid works closely with Local Authorities to plan and implement Streetworks and follows the rules set out in the New Roads and Streetworks Act. These include giving advance notice of any planned works
- National Grid takes safety extremely seriously. Last year, we spent £249m on replacement alone – that’s nearly £5m every week of the year
- The iron mains are being replaced with polyethylene pipes. Polyethylene is a plastic material, is flexible and is highly resistant to corrosion. The life of a PE main is currently expected to be at least 80 years