Innovation
Bright idea? Share it here
If you have an innovative idea or product that could help us to provide a smarter, safer, greener service, or support customers in vulnerable situations, we’d love to hear from you.
Our innovation priorities
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Continue to push boundaries and revolutionise existing processes.
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Strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that their priorities and preferences are at the heart of our decision making.
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Prioritise projects that introduce new technologies, modernising our approach and adding value for our customers and stakeholders.
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Improve value for money for our customers by supplementing Ofgem funding streams with shareholder and third party funding.
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Learn from leading innovators both inside and outside the energy sector.
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Rigorously review and evaluate every project to ensure the every pound spent delivers value for money.
Our six innovation themes
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Reducing our environmental footprint
To reduce the environmental impact of our businesses through advanced detection and remedy whilst investing in low-carbon construction and maintenance technology.
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Digital by default
To promote the use of open, interoperable data and digital tools to make every decision smarter, faster and more transparent.
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Whole system pathways
To facilitate and innovate towards whole system optimisation with the wider energy industry and ensure that the role of gas is built into any regional and strategic planning activities.
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Equitable energy for everyone
To deploy innovation to ensure that our customers in vulnerable situations are not left behind during an energy transition and they have access to the technology and tools to reduce energy consumption.
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Flexible and seamless connections
To enable a clean, resilient gas future by connecting, blending and transporting more green gases and facilitating new, flexible demand side applications.
Stronger together
A culture of collaboration and innovation underpins our entire organisation, empowering our team to set a trail, think differently and break free from traditional practices.
We work closely with businesses and our fellow utility companies to develop innovative solutions to shared problems and challenges. Here are just a few of the organisations and industry forums that we’re involved with.
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Energy Innovation Centre (EIC)
Got an innovative energy idea but need a hand to move it forward?
The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) can guide you step by step, helping you move from concept to a real project with the energy networks.
Working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, the EIC provides free business opportunities, support and resources that can help you develop your ideas, understand industry needs and engage with UK energy networks.
What you can access:
• Free Support: No cost to get involved at any time
• Industry education: Learn how the UK energy sector works and what networks are looking for
• Real Business Opportunities: Access innovation funding
• Help from Start to Finish: From idea to trial, roll-out and business as usual
• Expert Guidance: practical support on delivery, governance, finance and legal
• A Named Contact: Dedicated account managers to keep projects moving
• One to One Mentoring & Q&As: Speak with our experts to get quick answers
• Resources: Free guides to help you when you need it
• Right People, Right Direction: Connect with UK energy networks and understand the sector needs
• Signposting: To relevant support available from other organisationsThe EIC is an independent, not for profit, dedicated to supporting you through the innovation process every step of the way.
We work with the EIC to identify, develop and progress new ideas that could make a real difference to the UK energy industry. Their specialist team will guide you through the process from concept to reality.
Visit the EIC now at www.ukeic.com and discover the latest opportunities, resources and become part of their global innovation community.
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Future Energy Networks (FEN)
FEN is the representative body for the gas industry. FEN facilitates the Gas Innovation Governance Group (GIGG) which is the strategic decision and governance board for innovation activities undertaken by Great Britain’s gas networks. Innovation project delivery sits with our innovation team, and GIGG’s outputs are delivered via sub‑groups.
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Cross Utility Innovation Group
A regular get-together of water, power and gas providers. Over the past year, partners have been working on a joint project to measure the social impact of network innovation activities
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Innovation Steering Group (ISG)
The ISG is Great Britain’s cross-network innovation decision-making body, bringing together innovation leaders in gas and electricity transmission, distribution and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), to align projects, drive collaboration and ensure compliance with innovation funding requirements.
If you have an innovative idea or product that could help us to provide a smarter, safer, greener and more cost efficient service, we’d love to hear from you. We’re also keen to hear about innovations relating to the management of assets and the future role of gas.