Gas Industry Terminology

This month we thought it would be useful to shed some light on gas industry terminology. Hopefully, this post will explain who is responsible and the types of work involved.

OFGEM

OFGEM are the governing body for the gas industry.

For more information on OFGEM, please visit their website https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/

Gas Interconnector

Gas Interconnectors are natural gas pipeline which connect countries to the National Transmission System (NTS ) in England, Scotland & Wales.

The 3 three current gas interconnectors are:

1. UK – Belgium
2. UK – Netherlands
3. Scotland – Republic of Ireland

Ofgem ensures that the gas is transported competitively to the National Transmission System (NTS) and the supply is maintained.

Ofgem grant licences to ensure gas interconnector owners and operators adhere to industry standard regulations.

Gas Shipper

The Gas Shipper is the company that arrangers for the transporter to move the gas from the beach to the consumer. The Gas Shipper must have a licence granted by OFGEM, before they can ship the gas.

Gas supply (domestic & non-domestic)

Is the distribution of gas ensuring levels meet the national requirements.

The UK is supplied with natural and artificial gases by main the gas pipelines. These pipelines transport the gas from the location extraction point to the consumers.

Gas Transporter/Independant Gas Transporters

A Gas Transporter is a company that supplies and manages the pipes that power your home (National Grid).

An independent company supplies and manages the pipes that powers your home (National Grid have no involvement).

National Transmission System (NTS) operator

The UK’s National Transmission System (NTS) is the network of gas pipelines. These pipelines provide a gas supply to the gas distribution companies that supply commercial and domestic users.

Utility Infrastructure Provider (UIP)

Utility Infrastructure Provider’s are independent companies who can make a connection to the distribution main, and install new gas pipework to supply your property/business address.

The Meter Asset Manager (MAM)

The Meter Asset Manager (MAM) is the company who own your gas meter, and are responsible for the maintenance or your gas meter.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you will now have a clear understanding of the gas industry terminology and the roles/responsibilities associated.

So you’ve got loads of questions whizzing around in your mind about gas disconnections & gas meters …maybe they’re waking you up at 2am…Well let me shed some light on the situation.

I’ve made a list of all the frequently asked questions, we at Advanced Gas Disconnections get asked.

If you have any questions after reading this article, then please get in touch by emailing enquiries@advancedgasdisconnections.co.uk or by calling 0800 865 4225 to speak to one of our friendly team.

What is an MPRN number & where do I find it?

MPRN stands for Meter Point Reference Number and relates to your gas supply. It’s usually a 21 digit number displayed on your meter (where your readings are taken from). The MPRN is used to pinpoint individual gas supply’s.

Who is my gas supplier?

To find out who your gas supplier is contact the gas transporter, giving them the MPRN number.

Who owns the gas pipes?

Gas pipes are owned by infrastructure such as your local distribution provider (DNO) for example National Grid.

Can I move my gas meter?

Yes you can move your gas meter. However, how far you can move it depends on the gas pipes which are attached to the meter.

How much will it cost to remove my gas meter?

This will depend on the size of your meter, which can be identified on the data plate of your meter.

How much will a gas disconnection cost?

This depends on a number of factors, such as;

1. 1) Your location,
2. 2) The size of pipe which needs disconnecting,
3. 3) Do you require a meter removal?
4. 4) Traffic requirements

Reasons for disconnecting my gas supply:

1. To allow for demolition of property,
2. To stop standing charges (which form part of your gas bill)
3. No longer needed (as you use an alternative fuel source).

Why do you need all the information on the contact form?

In order for us to understand your requirements and provide you with an accurate quote at our best possible price, we need to gather all the relevant information.

Why use Advanced Gas Disconnections?

• Free, friendly, expert advice,
• No obligation, free quote,
• One point of contact,
• Dedicated project manager,
• Earliest possible disconnection date,
• Fully qualified and insured contractors,
• Outstanding customer service,
• Easy payment, and
• Jargon free language so you clearly understand each step of the process.

Any one of our project managers are happy to answer any questions you may have. Therefore, please contact us for a free, no obligation quote.

History of Gas

If you want to know more about the history of gas (whether it be for a school project, pub quiz or to expand your knowledge on facts), you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading and you will learn all about when gas was first discovered, up to the 1997.

1667 – Thomas Shirley described an inflammable gas seeping from coal measures, near Wigan.

1684 – John Clayton produced coal gas from the destructive distillation of coal, and stored it in bladders.

1727 – Carlisle Spedding lit his office at Whitehaven colliery with methane, from his coal mine.

1792 – William Murdoch lit his house at Redruth, Cornwall by gas produced in an iron retort.

1801 – In Paris Philippe Lebon publicly demonstrated gas lighting.

1806 – Gas lighting was installed in cotton spinning mills by Samuel Clegg (Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire) and William              Murdoch (Manchester)

1807 – Frederick Winsor demonstrated gas street lighting in Pall Mall, London.

1807 – London’s Golden Lane was lit by gas which was produced at a nearby brewery.

1814 – Frederick Accum wrote the first authoritative text book on gas manufacturing.

1817 – Samuel Clegg developed the gas meter.

1824 – Tate invented the telescopic gasholder.

1826 – James Sharp installed an experimental gas cooker at his house, in Northampton.

1855 – Robert Bunsen invented the Bunsen burner.

1856 – The first practical gas fire was produced by Pettit and Smith.

1870 – T S Lacey patented the first prepayment gas meter.

1887 – The glowing gas mantle was invented by Carl Auer.

1923 – Thermostatic controls on gas ovens were introduced.

1949 – Nationalisation of the gas industry.

1953 – Gas was first manufactured from oil, in reformer plants.

1964 – First shipment of natural gas from Algeria arrived in Britain.

1965 – North sea gas was discovered in the West Sole field.

1968 – Natural gas conversion programme starts at Burton on Trent.

1976 – Natural gas conversion programme completed.

1986 – Privatisation of the gas industry, creating British Gas plc.

1997 – British gas plc split into Centrica and BG Group.

Information supplied courtesy of The National Gas Museum.

You’re in the right place, if you want to know some really interesting facts about gas.

They say everyday is a school day, so read on and find out something you didn’t know. I did and I was impressed.

Top Facts

• The word ‘gas’ originated from the Greek meaning ‘chaos’,
• It is said to have been first discovered in the Middle East,
• In 500BC, China built the first pipeline out of Bamboo,
• Natural gas is colourless, odourless and flammable,
• Gas is lighter than air,
• When lightning strikes, natural gas seeps from the ground,
• Natural gas is mainly methane (CH4) but also contains hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, butane and naphtha,
• Utility companies add mercaptan which smells of rotten eggs so leaks are easier to detect,
• Dry natural gas is used for heating and electric power generation,
• Liquid gas is made when natural gas is cooled to a temperature of 260OF (162OC),
• In 2016, 2/3rds of the UK’s gas imports came from the seabed off Norway,
• Noway imported enough gas to power over 8 millions homes in 2016,
• Gas, now makes up over 40% of the UK electricity generation,
• Over 15.2 million road vehicles used to power buses, cars, taxis and trucks,
• Aspirin, Deodorant, Mobile Phones, Limbs, Heart Valves, Carpeting & Vinyl Flooring’s are all made using gas,
• CO2 emissions have been lowered to the levels recorded in the Victorian era by replacing coal with gas,
• When burned, natural gas produced less than half the CO2 emissions of coal,
• In 1792 an engineer named William Murdoch used gas to light his UK home,
• Gas pressure is measured in pascals,

So now you’ve seen some amazing facts, challenge your family members or include one fact in your quiz. As a result, its bound to get your little grey cells working, as the famous Belgium detective (Poirot) said.

Thanks for reading and please check back to see what’s new next month.