National Grid engineers have now restored gas supplies to 980 homes in East Barnet, and around 750 homes require reconnecting, as work continues around the clock to pump water out of the local gas network.

We now have 150 gas engineers from across the country on site and we are doing all we can to try and reconnect the remaining properties in time for Christmas. Many engineers are giving up their own Christmas holidays to help out.

Although these figures are higher than originally estimated, a number of these homes are experiencing problems with their gas pressure but still have a gas supply.

The incident was caused by a burst water main which in turn, damaged a nearby gas pipe.

David Luetchford, National Grid incident controller, said: “We have now restored gas supplies to 980 homes, but we are still pumping water out of the gas network.

“Safety is our top priority and people must not try to turn their own gas supply back on. An engineer will call to reconnect the supply safely when it is safe to do so.

“We have brought in extra engineers from the Midlands, North West and East Anglia, and we are also getting help from local Gas Safe registered engineers to help us work as quickly and safely as possible. All engineers carry identification and people should ask to see it before they let anyone in to their homes.”

“I appreciate that this is a difficult time for residents, but we are doing all we can and I ask them to bear with us as we work to resolve this situation.”

An incident room has been set up in St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Littlegrove. Heating appliances have been distributed to affected households.

National Grid is working closely with the London Borough of Barnet’s emergency planning department to identify vulnerable people within the area.

To help National Grid restore gas supplies, it is important that the electricity network in Barnet is maintained. Residents are asked to use only essential electricity appliances and switch off any non-essential appliances.

ENDS

If you are a local resident and have any enquiries about the loss of gas supply in East Barnet, please call 0845 605 6677.

If you smell gas please ring the National Gas Emergency service on 0800 111 999.

For Media enquiries, please call 01926 656536 or 07810 853075

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

www.nationalgrid.com