Latest news with #gasleaks
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy firms pay £8m in penalties after attending some gas leaks late
Three gas distribution companies are paying a combined £8 million in penalties after failing to attend some gas emergency reports on time. Regulator Ofgem said Cadent Gas, Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks have voluntarily agreed to pay the funds after missing their targets between 2022 and 2023. Ofgem's rules require companies which manage the gas network to attend reports of suspected gas leaks within one or two hours, depending on the incident, in 97% of cases. Southern Gas Networks will pay £5.8 million, Cadent will pay £1.5 million and Scotland Gas Networks will pay £700,000. The cash will go into Ofgem's voluntary redress fund, which provides money for projects that support vulnerable energy consumers. Cathryn Scott, director of market oversight and enforcement at Ofgem, said: 'The potential risk to households and businesses if gas leaks aren't investigated quickly is significant, so it's right that the companies involved have acknowledged the seriousness of missing these targets. 'We're confident the companies have improved their systems and processes to make sure this doesn't happen again and have demonstrated their commitment to this by meeting their targets in the two years since the breach.' Ofgem said it opened an investigation into the three companies after they self-reported missing their targets. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Energy firms pay £8m in penalties after attending some gas leaks late
Three gas distribution companies are paying a combined £8 million in penalties after failing to attend some gas emergency reports on time. Regulator Ofgem said Cadent Gas, Scotland Gas Networks and Southern Gas Networks have voluntarily agreed to pay the funds after missing their targets between 2022 and 2023. Ofgem's rules require companies which manage the gas network to attend reports of suspected gas leaks within one or two hours, depending on the incident, in 97% of cases. Southern Gas Networks will pay £5.8 million, Cadent will pay £1.5 million and Scotland Gas Networks will pay £700,000. The cash will go into Ofgem's voluntary redress fund, which provides money for projects that support vulnerable energy consumers. Cathryn Scott, director of market oversight and enforcement at Ofgem, said: 'The potential risk to households and businesses if gas leaks aren't investigated quickly is significant, so it's right that the companies involved have acknowledged the seriousness of missing these targets. 'We're confident the companies have improved their systems and processes to make sure this doesn't happen again and have demonstrated their commitment to this by meeting their targets in the two years since the breach.' Ofgem said it opened an investigation into the three companies after they self-reported missing their targets.
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Residents urged to take gas safety precautions as temperatures hit over 50°C
As summer temperatures in the UAE soar past 50 degrees Celcius in some areas, safety experts are urging residents and restaurant operators to take extra precautions when handling cooking gas to prevent accidents and fires. This comes after recent fires at restaurants in Al Barsha, which were reportedly caused by gas leaks. When the mercury hits extreme levels, like it has recently, gas cylinders can become dangerous if not stored and handled properly. Mohamed Auon, General Manager at Alaman Gas LPG Bottling Plant in Ajman, explains that high temperatures can cause gas to expand inside the cylinder, increasing pressure and the risk of leaks. 'Always keep cylinders in shaded, well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight or heat sources,' he said. 'And never store them in closed or poorly ventilated rooms, especially in summer.' He also mentioned the importance of regular leak checks. 'Use a soap solution to check for leaks, and always turn off the main valve when not using gas appliances.' Warning signs you should never ignore Auon said there are some clear red flags people must act on immediately: The smell of gas A hissing sound near gas pipes or appliances Dead plants near the gas source Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or having difficulty breathing Weak or flickering flames and unusual burner noises 'These are all signs something could be seriously wrong,' he said. 'If you notice any of these, leave the area and call emergency services right away.' Confined kitchens are a hidden danger Faisal El Mais, country manager of Arabian Unigaz, said that poor ventilation is one of the biggest risks in kitchens, especially small or crowded ones. 'Poisonous gases can build up quickly in confined spaces,' said El Mais. 'And if there's too much oxygen or LPG in the air, it can lead to sudden fires or explosions.' He also encourages residents to install gas leak detectors as an extra layer of protection. Why summer makes everything riskier Saleem Ikram, a safety engineer at a facility management company in Jebel Ali, explains that heat causes gas to expand. 'This puts stress on cylinder walls, valves, and joints,' he said. 'Especially if they are old or not maintained properly.' 'Don't leave gas stoves or grills unattended, and always switch off the regulator when you're done.' Key summer safety tips
BBC News
14-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Trapped' Maidstone residents face more A229 roadworks delays
A group of residents affected by long running roadworks in Maidstone, Kent, say they feel A229 Loose Road has been shut in both directions at the junction with Boughton Lane since 18 April, while Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) repairs the major gas residents described the delays as "unacceptable" and said they are worried for elderly and disabled said it has discovered further leaks and the road is likely to be closed until 1 June while it "urgently" replaces "extensive sections", so residents "receive a secure, safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come". A group of residents told BBC South East Today that lorries and buses cannot get through and have been trapped down the country resident, Mike George said while he "appreciates" the need to do the work, he feels it has been poorly planned. He said: "Whoever made the decision should have looked at a map and said 'this is not only major disruption, this is totally unacceptable'."Maidstone Borough Councillor Brian Clark said: "The priority, immediately, is to keep people updated with the plan as to what's going on." Cindy Jones, vice chair of Loose Bowls Club, said the closure is affecting her side's ability to complete their said other teams are reluctant to take a 45 minute diversion "and instead see if we could come to them". Resident David Hackett is concerned about the impact the roadworks are having on the elderly and said: "We haven't had much communication from those responsible for the roadworks. "The bus service is currently on diversion which means the nearest stop can be an extra mile away for some people."That is a long way to walk if you have a hospital appointment and I'm worried if the gas mains aren't fixed soon it could have a detrimental affect on people's health." SGN said: "We've deployed additional teams working extended hours to expedite this work which is essential for safety."Kent County Council said it has mitigated the problem of motorists ignoring the road closure said: "Through local feedback from residents, we have arranged for improved signage and to introduce spotters who prevent HGVs from using the road while the works are ongoing." Motorists are advised to avoid narrow country lanes and use a diversion via Loose Road, Linton Road, Heath Road, Plough Wents Road and Sutton Road to rejoin Loose Road.
