The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £205,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in and around Hungate, Pickering.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing nearly 700m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project, which began on Monday 23 January and is expected to last around 12 weeks, has been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council Highways and Ryedale District Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption to customers as possible.

On Friday 24 February, the lane closure on Hungate between Southgate and Eastgate was removed, meaning the market will return to its original position on Market Place.

Phase Two will begin on Monday 27 February and will last around seven weeks. During this phase there will be four-way temporary traffic lights in place from the junction of Hungate and Southgate for around two weeks.

Two-way temporary lights will be placed on Vivis Lane between Hungate and Troutbeck Close from March 6, remaining in place for around two weeks.

A road closure will also be introduced on Vivis Lane between Troutbeck Close and Goslipgate on Monday 20 March. This will be in place for around four weeks.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and engineers will work from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

A customer drop-in clinic continues take place at the Vivis Lane car park every Monday from 10am, where the NGN team are available to speak to customers about the project and answer questions.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with North Yorkshire County Council to carefully plan these works in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £225,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in and around Yorkersgate, Malton.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 740m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project, which began on Monday 9 January and is expected to last around 11 weeks is progressing well, having been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council Highways and Ryedale District Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption to customers as possible.

In order for engineers to complete the work safely and efficiently, some traffic management measures continue to be necessary.

A road closure was introduced on Yorkersgate from Monday 9 January for approximately 10 weeks, with a clearly signed diversion route in place for motorists however access will be maintained at all times for business deliveries.

All bus stops at the start of the diversion will be suspended and replaced with temporary stands whilst the road closures are in place.

The road closure between War Memorial and Railway Street will be removed on Tuesday 28 February, and access to Market Place, Railway Street and Saville Street will resume as normal.

Access to Yorkersgate will be provided via the above streets and via York Road, however access will be restricted from the four-way temporary lights at Castlegate/Wheelgate to Railway Street from Tuesday 28 February. There will be strictly no access to Yorkersgate at this section.

A road closure will be introduced on Wells Lane from Monday 20 March for one week.

Three-way temporary traffic lights will be introduced at the junction of Castlegate and Old Maltongate from February 28 until March 19.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and engineers will be working Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with North Yorkshire County Council Highways to carefully plan these works in order to minimise disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting these works completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is upgrading ageing metal gas mains at Stanwix Bank Carlisle.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the area’s gas infrastructure and involves replacing 330m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Carlisle for years to come.

The four-week project will start on Monday 27^th February and is expected to take four weeks to complete. The works have been carefully planned in conjunction with Cumbria County Council.

Every effort has been made to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and motorists although it will be necessary during the works for a temporary lane closure to be operated between 9am and 3pm.

Jamie Wright, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have worked closely with the local council to carefully plan these works to ensure disruption to residents, businesses and motorists is kept to a minimum.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to carry out this essential upgrade as quickly and safely as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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As energy networks move to increase engagement with third party innovators, competition for a place on this year’s shortlist is set to be fierce.

Innovation scout, the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), is once again searching for SME innovators with ground-breaking technologies that have the potential to help UK distribution networks address their major energy challenges.

Now in its eighth year, the UK Energy Innovation Awards offer an unprecedented opportunity for energy networks and third-party innovators to come together and celebrate the ideas and technologies that offer benefits to customers, industry and the supply chain.

Distribution networks Wales and West, Northern Gas Networks, SP Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and National Grid are confirmed sponsors for this year’s awards, along with the University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre and previous UK Energy Innovation Awards winner, Kelvatek.

This year’s awards include 12 categories, including a new award for 2017 sponsored by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

The Losses Award, which will offer a cash prize of £5,000 for first place, £3,000 for second and £2,000 for third, recognises innovative technologies, practices or solutions that could lead to a reduction in distribution network costs.

The full list of award categories include:

• Best electricity network improvement
• Best gas network improvement
• Best innovation implemented or adopted by a contractor
• Best innovation contributing to quality and reliability of electricity supply
• Best innovation contributing to quality and reliability of gas supply
• Best international trade award
• Best offshore renewables innovation
• Best safety innovation
• Environmental impact
• Best smart grid innovation
• Best University Technology
• Losses Award

Denise Massey, managing director of the Energy Innovation Centre and head of the awards judging panel, said: “The EIC and its industry partners have always championed the role of SMEs and non-network businesses in enabling innovation within the energy sector.

“The UK Energy Innovation Awards remain the only platform that recognises the impact of these innovators and the value that they can potentially offer to both customers and industry, and we believe this is the reason they continue to thrive year-on-year.

“However, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels. We’re introducing a number of exciting changes in 2017, including taking the event to Liverpool for the first time, which will make this year’s awards the biggest and best yet.”

Joining Denise on the judging panel will be a host of industry experts including chief executive officer of Northern Gas Networks and EIC chairman, Mark Horsley.

The awards ceremony will be hosted at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool on Thursday, 28th September 2017 where the shortlisted nominees will be invited to a dinner alongside the EIC’s energy network partners.

For more information about the awards or how to enter, visit the EIC website.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) brought applicants and successful initiatives from its Community Promises Fund together for two workshops this week, creating a network of innovative energy ideas, support and advice to challenge fuel poverty and benefit local communities across Yorkshire and the North of England.

NGN’s Social Strategy Project Manager Jill Walker discusses ideas at  Northern Gas Networks’ Community Promises Fund event in Leeds

NGN distributes gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, covering cities and town including Leeds, Hull, Carlisle, Bradford, York, Huddersfield, Harrogate, Darlington and Newcastle.

The £50,000 Community Promises Fund was set up in 2016 to support projects across NGN’s network, which help to alleviate hardship and other challenges associated with fuel poverty and educate around environmental energy efficiency ideas. It also supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and encouraging the study of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and related career opportunities. The fund is managed by Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), a charity dedicated to creating positive change in local communities.

The projects which received grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 were: 2168 Yeadon Air Cadets, Bradford Community Broadcasting, DIAL (Leeds) Limited, Fusion Housing Kirklees Ltd, Highfield Food Co-op in Bradford, North Halifax Partnership, Syrian Community of Leeds, City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum, The Dominic Rodgers Trust in Huddersfield, Woodhouse Close Church Community Centre in Bishop Auckland and Yorkshire Energy Doctor CIC, based in Riccall

NGN’s Head of Social Strategy Tom Bell with Dr Kate Urwin of the Yorkshire Energy Doctor, at the Community Promises Fund workshop in Leeds.

Not only did the workshops in Leeds and Durham provide an opportunity for project leaders to meet and share ideas, groups which did not receive funding in 2016 also joined the sessions to benefit from NGN advice and support which could help to secure grants in future.

Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy for NGN said: “The Community Promises Fund workshops provided great opportunities for both NGN and the community groups that attended.

“I feel that NGN are more aware of some of the real challenges and opportunities that exist in the communities we serve, and I was heartened to see the direct engagement and sharing of ideas and support that community groups can provide one another. I look forward to seeing the benefits of these early partnerships.”

Adam Fowler, Project Manager for the City of Hull & Humber Environment Forum said: “It’s been a very positive partnership so far, we’ve learned a lot and have received a lot of direction. It’s opened up some ideas perhaps we wouldn’t have thought of before so we’re really looking forward to continuing to work together.”

NGN will be sharing regular updates on the Community Promises Fund throughout 2017 via their website northerngasnetworks.co.uk and Twitter @NGNgas.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributer for the North of England, has shown its support for a Cramlington community youth group with a special donation.

NGN is currently investing £155,000 to replace nearly two kilometres of old gas mains in the High Pit Road area with more durable plastic pipes, ensuring the safe continued and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project is registered as a Considerate Constructor Scheme (CCS) site, and scored on the measures in place to be more considerate towards the community, environment and the workforce.

The CCS is a non-profit independent organisation founded by the construction industry to improve its image. NGN is registering all major projects and larger gas mains replacement sites where work is expected to take more than six weeks to complete with the Scheme.

NGN’s Customer Care officer Ian Burns presents Rob Hall MBE of the Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project with a cheque for £1,000.

Customer Care officers identified the Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP) as a local initiative which could benefit from NGN’s support, and last week Customer Care Officer Ian Burns presented Executive Manager Rob Hall MBE with a cheque for £1,000.

The CVYP provides a range of activities and educational sessions for young people, helping  to develop their social and personal skills. The project supports around 1,000 young people and young adults each year, with members taking part in weekly activities including music, cookery, sports, arts and crafts, after-school clubs and drop-in sessions.

Ian said: “At NGN we fully appreciate the impact our works can have on customers, and would like to thank the local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding. Their cooperation has been fantastic throughout.

“The Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project carries out some fantastic work for young people in the local community, and we’re delighted to support their efforts and the people of Cramlington with this donation.”

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £120,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network on Wedderburn Avenue, Harrogate.

The major project is part of NGn’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 1.3km of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The work, which will begin on Monday 27 February and last approximately eight weeks, has been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council to ensure as little disruption as possible.

Works will take place directly on Wedderburn Avenue for the full duration of the project.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to place three way traffic lights at the junction of Wedderburn Avenue and Knaresborough Road on Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March. During this time the pedestrian crossing on the A59 will be temporarily suspended.

Engineers will be working from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm, with additional weekend work when required.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager at Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with North Yorkshire County Council to carefully plan these works in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.

For further information about the project please contact NGn’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) will be carrying out essential gas mains repair work on the Leeds Road, at the junction with Micklefield Lane, from 7pm on Thursday 16 February 2017.

The project, which has been planned and agreed in conjunction with Leeds City Council’s Highway Authority, is estimated to take a day to complete, depending on engineering complexities.

During this time, work will take place in the road however engineers will endeavour to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.

Gas supply to local properties will not be affected.

Mark Taylor, Network Officer for Northern Gas Networks said: “The safety of our customers and engineers is our number one priority at NGN. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential work and thank customers for their patience as we aim to complete the project as quickly as possible.”

For further information please can contact our Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £60,000 to upgrade ageing metal gas mains at Station Road, Hebburn.

The major project is part of NGn’s ongoing investment in the area’s gas infrastructure and involves replacing 500m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hebburn for years to come.

The six week project started in January and is expected to be complete in March. The works have been carefully planned in conjunction with South Tyneside Council.

Shops and businesses have remained open as usual throughout the project and every effort has been made to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and motorists including consultations with local councillors.

Customer Care officers door knocked local homes and businesses in advance of the works to make residents and business owners aware of the work and advise motorists of the traffic management measures in place.

In order for these works to be carried out safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to suspend parking bays along Station Road for a short time. This will be from Wednesday 15 February on an as needed basis.

Fergal O’Donovan, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have worked closely with the local council to carefully plan these works to ensure disruption to residents, businesses and motorists is kept to a minimum.”

“We have been working closely with stakeholders and the local community throughout these works, sharing daily updates with those affected.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to carry out this essential upgrade as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Station Road project is registered as a Considerate Constructors site, the key principles are to ensure minimal impact to the environment, customers and the community and the highest standards of safety.

For further information about the project please contact NGn’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.