Northern Gas Networks

United Utilities is in charge of the day-to-day running of the gas network in the north of England. This includes the repair and replacement of pipes and a 24/7 gas emergency service to deal with all gas safety issues. We do not own the gas; we transport it on behalf the companies who do, delivering it to users 24 hours every day.

We have been contracted by Northern Gas Networks to manage and deliver all operations including maintenance, repair, capital replacement design, customer service management and the provision of the 24-hour gas emergency service.

Contract details

Start date: 1st June 2005
Northern Gas Networks Ltd (NGN) bought the north of England gas network on June 1, 2005 following approval from the DTI, OFGEM, and the Health and Safety Executive. Northern Gas Networks appointed United Utilities to carry out all operational activities and be in charge of the day-to-day operation of the network. Although Northern Gas Networks owns the network, United Utilities is responsible for all the operations.

This unique sharing of the asset and operational running of the network is a first for the gas industry. United Utilities has an eight-year contract with Northern Gas Networks to look after the region's 36,000km of gas mains. With an option to extend the contract for a further five years, the contract is worth £140 million. United Utilities has more than 1,100 employees in its gas network working at locations across the region. The two main bases are at Thorpe Park, Leeds and Doxford Park, Sunderland.

Scope of services provided

We operate and manage the gas network safely. We have a target of replacing more than 520km of old gas pipe each year of the contract. We replace and repair gas pipes and respond to gas emergencies at any time 24/7, 365 days a year.

Key reference information

The region we cover has a population of 6.7 million people and 2.5 million gas consumers. We run 36,000km of gas mains - enough to stretch from Yorkshire to Sydney, Australia and back again. The north of England gas network includes Yorkshire (north, east and west), the North East and northern Cumbria. It includes the major cities of Leeds, Bradford, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Carlisle.

Fast facts

• The total length of pipes we maintain is 36,000km - enough to stretch to Sydney, Australia and back again
• We have more than 1,100 employees

Client comment:

"Our unique relationship with United Utilities is a first for the gas industry . United Utilities is a leading utility company in the UK and we have been very pleased with the professional way it is managing the operational activities within the network."

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of Northern Gas Networks

Contacts

For gas emergency service, call 0800 111 999 (calls are recorded and may be monitored).  For all media enquiries about our gas contract, call Gwen Evans on 0113 397 0028 or 07833 479069. Out of hours please call 01925 237088.