Shrinkage is the industry term for gas lost through leaks on our pipes, plus gas lost through theft, and gas used by us for operational purposes. We were ahead of our target throughout RIIO GD1, by continuing to replace old, leak prone pipes and by effectively managing the pressure of gas passing through the network, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the pipes.

The total volume of gas lost through leaks on the pipe network. This figure is a major contributor to the overall ‘shrinkage’ total (see previous statistic). We exceeded our leakage target throughout RIIO GD1, by continuing to replace old, leak prone pipes and by effectively managing the pressure of gas passing through the network, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the pipes.

Although no specific business carbon footprint target has been set by Ofgem, all gas distributors are expected to make steady progress. 2020/21 saw us reduce our business mileage and lower our energy consumption in buildings as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020/21, we continued the process of reviewing our sites, to identify any potential issues with land contamination and identified two sites for remediation..

Our use of virgin aggregate increased in 2020/21 partly due to supply issues with recycled aggregate in Cumbria, and also due to stakeholder demand to meet engineering requirements. Despite this, we still exceeded our internal target and we are proud to announce good progress overall with our usage of virgin aggregate reducing by approximately 61% since 2013/14.

Reducing the volume of spoil to landfill has always proved challenging, partly due to high clay content in the spoil created across our network. While we are ahead of our internal target, we are continuing to work with our partners and the wider industry to increase the recycling facilities available. This still proves to be an ongoing challenge and remains an area of focus.

ISO 14001 is a family of standards related to environmental management. It helps companies minimise any adverse environmental impact and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

NGN are big supporters of biomethane production a clean, sustainable gas formed by the breakdown of organic material, to produce biogas which is then enriched with propane to produce biomethane. Our role is to help biomethane producers get their product into our network, and into customers’ homes. Over the past few years we have seen a decrease in the number of biomethane producers that want to connect to our network, which we believe is as a result of the timescales imposed by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Regulations announced in May 2018. Under the regulations, new biomethane plants have to flow gas to grid by 31 January 2020 to be eligible for the Tariff Guarantee.

Over the past few years we have seen a decrease in the number of biomethane producers that want to connect to our network, which we believe is as a result of the timescales imposed by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Regulations announced in May 2018. Under the regulations, new biomethane plants have to flow gas to grid by 31 January 2020 to be eligible for the Tariff Guarantee.

Getting a biomethane plant connected to the gas network is a complex and demanding process, so provision of clear, timely information about technical requirements and pricing is extremely important. We have a dedicate team providing this service, along with a dedicated website, an introductory brochure and a detailed technical manual, available to all producers.

Provision of clear, timely information about the technical requirements of connecting to our network, and associated pricing, allows prospective biomethane producers to decide if there project is viable. Our dedicated biomethane team handles enquiries promptly.

Provision of clear, timely information about the technical requirements of connecting to our network, and associated pricing, allows prospective biomethane producers to decide if there project is viable. Our dedicated biomethane team handles enquiries promptly.