Northern Gas Networks, the North of England’s gas distributor is supporting a national day to raise awareness of the plight of those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day takes place on 28 March and is run by charity National Energy Action (NEA).

Fuel poverty is a serious problem in the North of England, with 24% of households estimated to spend more than 10% of their income on heating.

To mark the day Northern Gas Networks has announced that it has issued its 1000^th assisted connection voucher for the year 2013 / 2014. The voucher either partly or completely covers the cost of a new gas connection to help those who qualify to access more affordable energy solutions.

Over the last 12 months Northern Gas Networks has gone even further to tackle fuel poverty in the poorest communities where it operates and help to create warm and comfortable homes.  The gas distributor has:

• Continued its long-running partnership with not-for-profit organisation Community Energy Solutions (CES) which helps households access affordable heating solutions – such as insulation and central heating – and energy advice.  Since the partnership began in 2009 Northern Gas Networks has connected around 5,500 off gas, fuel poor households to the network free of charge.

• Run an annual hardship fund to help customers who are struggling to pay their bills.

• Funded a benefits health check scheme to ensure customers aren’t missing out on vital financial assistance from the government

• In partnership with social landlord Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and CES, connected more than 60 homes in Croftlands, Huddersfield, to the gas mains for the first time.  The landlord has subsequently installed new heating systems in all these properties.

• Working with social landlords and local authorities to explore alternative energy solutions for fuel poor customers in an effort to reduce tenants’ bills, and support the UK’s graduation to a low carbon economy.

Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy, Northern Gas Networks, said: “Our region has one of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country and lifting our customers out of fuel poverty and helping thousands of people stay warm for less is a top priority for our business.”

He continues: “National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is a really important way to recognise the problem of fuel poverty and the solutions available to help people keep warm in their homes.   We would urge anyone worried about meeting their energy costs to contact the independent Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.’’

Maria Wardrobe, Director of External Affairs at NEA said “Our charity knows all too well the horrifying reality of the current ‘heat or eat’ debate and we welcome the support of Northern Gas Networks to help tackle this problem in the north of England.  It is vital that anyone working with vulnerable and low-income householders is able to identify and assist those who may be in fuel poverty, and we have launched a new version of our popular Fuel Poverty Action Guide to support them through this process and ensure that help reaches those most in need.’’

As part of Fuel Poor Awareness Day activities, Northern Gas Networks is encouraging more than 2000 employees based across the North of England, to support local food banks by purchasing extra items in their next supermarket shop, to help those living on the poverty line.

For further information on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and to order copies of the Fuel Poverty Action Guide visit www.nea.org.uk

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

Northern Gas Networks will be carrying out essential repair work on a gas main in Newcastle city centre, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to residents in the area for years to come.

Work will commence from 12.30pm today (20 March) at the junction of Forth Street and Railway Street and is expected to take approximately seven days to complete.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to switch off the permanent traffic lights at the junction of Forth Street and Railway Street and erect temporary traffic lights to help ease the flow of traffic in the area.

Unfortunately delays in the area are expected.

Barry Watson, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said, “Please be assured that we are working hard to complete this essential work as quickly as possible, with minimum disruption to motorists.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

You can contact the Northern Gas Networks Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 5. The team is available between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am and 5.30pm on Saturday.

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Photo caption: (Left to right) Nick Phillips, Business Improvement Manager; Martin Alderson, Asset Risk Management & Safety Director; Mark Briggs, Planning Manager; Howard Forster, Customer Operations Director and Tom Notman, Head of Connections & Customer Operations Support.

Colleagues of Carlisle born Gas Operative Steven Higgins will be taking on a rigorous four day challenge to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and South Tees Hospitals Charity, following a tragic incident which left Steven with severe long term injuries.

On Friday, 11 April colleagues from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) will charge down the ball in the VETS 10’s which precedes the world famous Melrose 7’s rugby tournament before embarking on a three day gruelling walking challenge from Scotland to Carlisle, home to Steven and his family.

At just age 24, Steven was involved in a serious accident while working for NGN’s maintenance team. A speeding BMW, which fled the scene, caused a head on collision with the van that he was travelling in. Thanks to the immediate response by the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who flew him from the scene to the critical care unit at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, a year on from the incident Steven has made an exceptional recovery.

The charity challenge will see Martin Alderson, Director of Asset Risk Management, Howard Forster, Director of Customer Operations, Andy Irwin, Regional Manager, Tom Notman, Head of Customer Operation and Connections and Nick Phillips, Business Improvement trek across Northumbria’s undulating hills to raise money for the organisations who were so critical to Stevens early care.

Howard Forster, Customer Operations Director, NGN, commented: “I am delighted to be able to organise this event in honour of Steve. Last year, thanks to the fantastic support of colleagues, we raised over £4,000 for the Higgins family as well as the organisations that helped Steve following his accident. We hope we can build on the success of last year’s fundraiser and encourage everyone to get behind this great cause.”

Suzi Campbell from South Tees Hospitals Charity said: “We are delighted that Northern Gas Networks are once again supporting us through a rugby event and taking on the 90 mile challenge, we wish them all the best for their forthcoming events.

She continued: “We much appreciate this helping hand and the money raised will benefit future patients in critical care at The James Cook University Hospital.”

If you’d like to support us in raising money for these two great causes, please make a donation to our JustGiving pages below.

http://www.justgiving.com/JamesCookHospitalStevenHiggins

http://www.justgiving.com/GreatNorthAirAmbulanceStevenHiggins

Anyone who smells gas should call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.

Work is progressing well at Canal Road, Bradford where as of today,
Sunday 9 March we have restored supplies to approximately 95% of the occupied properties affected by the situation. Our engineers will be continuing to work throughout today to reconnect as many of the remaining properties as possible.

Northern Gas Networks would like to inform their customers that welfare facilities are still available to help them during this difficult time and can be obtained by calling our customer care team on 0845 634 0508 (option 7). We also have electric heaters and cooking facilities for people who need them.

Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their continued patience whilst we work hard to get their gas supplies back on.

The safety and welfare of our customers is our priority, and we are working hard to make sure that we look after all of our customers during this very difficult time.

If you require and further help or assistance, please speak to any of the engineers or customer care officers on site, or call the customer care number on 0845 634 0508 (option 7).

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Canal Road, Bradford media update

5.00pm, Thursday, March 7 2014

Today, in Canal Road, Bradford we have successfully restored gas supplies to more than half of the 213 homes and businesses affected after water got into the gas main system.

We have now reconnected 83 domestic properties and 20 business premises and our engineers will be working over the weekend to reconnect as many of the remaining properties as possible.

Northern Gas Networks would like to remind their customers that welfare facilities are still available to help them during this difficult time.

This weekend, facilities will be available from 7am to 1pm on Saturday reopening again on Monday morning. However, if anyone impacted by our work needs any hot food outside of these hours, they should contact our customer care team on 0845 634 0508 (option 7). We also have electric heaters and cooking facilities for people who need them.

Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their continued patience whilst we work hard to get their gas supplies back on.  The safety and welfare of our customers is our priority, and we are working hard to make sure that we look after all of our customers during this very difficult time.

If anyone requires any further help or assistance, please speak to any of the engineers or customer care officers on site, or call the customer care number on 0845 634 0508 (option 7).

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Northern Gas Networks is replacing ageing metal gas mains in Richmond with new durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to residents in the area for years to come.
The essential work will commence on Monday 10 March on Riverside Road between Bridge Street and Millgate and is expected to take three weeks to complete.
Shops and businesses will remain open as usual and every effort will be made to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and motorists.
The £13,000 project is part of Northern Gas Networks gas mains replacement programme that will see more than 3,800 km of old mains replaced by 2021.
Gordon Thompson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “We have planned our work closely with Yorkshire County Council to minimise disruption to both residents and motorists.
“To carry out the works safely and efficiently it will be necessary to close Riverside Road to traffic although access to the public car park will be maintained. A signed diversion will be in place throughout the works. The footpaths on either side of Riverside Road will also be closed but alternative walking routes will be available for pedestrians.”
Mr. Thompson added, “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding.”
If customers have any questions about the work they should call Northern Gas Networks’ Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.
If you smell gas please call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

Northern Gas Networks is investing £925,000 to replace approximately 8.5km of ageing metal gas mains in Workington with durable new plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to residents in the area for years to come.

The essential work will commence on Monday 10 March on Cockfield Drive and is expected to take three months to complete.

Shops and businesses will remain open as usual and every effort will be made to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and motorists.

Barry Watson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “We have planned our work closely with Cumbria County Council, to minimise disruption to both residents and motorists.

“In advance of the work taking place, a letter has been sent to local residents. Our Customer Care Officers have also been speaking with residents and businesses in the area to ensure that they are aware of the work.

Mr. Watson added, “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding.”

If you smell gas please call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks will be carrying out essential repair work on a gas main in Nevilles Cross Bank, Durham.

Work will commence at 8.00pm on Friday 7 March and could take up to a week to complete.

In order to carry out this work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to close one lane westbound towards Meadowfield, Durham and one lane eastbound heading up Nevilles Cross Bank.

Diversions will be clearly marked, taking motorists along Newcastle Road.

John Richardson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have planned this essential work closely with Durham County Council to minimise disruption to motorists.

Mr Richardson added, “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure members of the public that we will do all we can to complete the work as quickly as possible.”

You can contact the Northern Gas Networks Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

1.00pm, Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are continuing work to restore gas supplies to customers in the Canal Road area of Bradford, after a burst water main caused water to enter the gas network over the weekend.

Currently, 36 domestic properties out of 163 affected, have now had their supplies restored, while 10 business premises, out of approximately 50 have also been reconnected to the gas network.

Electric heaters and portable cookers have been distributed to those customers who need them as well as generators to help provide heat to businesses. Customer care representatives from the gas company are also on hand, to make sure vulnerable customers are being looked after.

In addition to a customer cabin, where customers can drop in to ask questions and get advice, welfare facilities are now on site, providing hot food and drinks to those affected. The welfare facilities are located outside the Bradford Motorcycle Centre on Canal Road and will open from 5am to 8pm daily.

Ian Waddle, Regional Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “Our engineers are continuing to work flat out to get customers back on gas – but it is a big job.

“I can assure customers that our engineering teams are doing everything to get this situation resolved and get everyone affected back on gas as quickly as possible.  The safety of our customers is our first priority and we will remain on site until the job is done.”

Ian Waddle, added: said: “If anyone in the area has questions or concerns, or would like extra heaters or cooking facilities, please give our Customer Care team a ring or drop into our customer cabin, and we’ll get right on it.”

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care Team can be contacted on 0845 634 0508 (option 7).

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are continuing work to restore gas supplies to customers in the Canal Road area of Bradford, after a burst water main caused water to enter the gas network over the weekend.

Engineers from the gas distribution company have been on site since Friday morning (28 February), and have already pumped 100,000 litres of water out of the gas pipe. They are also contending with large quantities of silt and rubble, carried by the escaped water, which are causing blockages on the gas pipe.

Thirty three domestic properties have now had supplies restored, out of 163 homes to be affected. Meanwhile, ten business premises, out of approximately 50 business properties, have had supplies restored.

Ian Waddle, Regional Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “Our engineers are working flat out to get customers back on gas – but it is a big job.

“The gas pipe is more than two miles in length, and we’re continuing to track down water and pumping it clear. At the same time, we’re contending with large quantities of silt and other debris which have found their way into the gas pipe and are causing blockages. We are using specialist camera technology to locate this debris so that we can clear it from the pipe.

“I can assure customers that our engineering teams are doing everything to get this situation resolved and get everyone affected back on gas as quickly as possible. The safety of our customers is our first priority and we won’t be leaving until the job’s done.”

Northern Gas Networks has handed out electric heaters and portable cookers to those customers who need them as well as generators to help provide heat to businesses. Customer care representatives from the gas company have also been on hand, to make sure vulnerable customers are being looked after. A customer cabin will open at the Canal Road site from 8am tomorrow. Customers will be able to drop in and get the latest information.

Ian Waddle, added: said: “If anyone in the area has questions or concerns, or would like extra heaters or cooking facilities, please give our Customer Care team a ring, and we’ll get right on it.”

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care Team can be contacted on 0845 634 0508 (option 7).

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.