National Grid Gas in hot water with fine
National Grid Gas, part of Solihull-based National Grid, has been hit with a £4.3m fine by industry watchdog Ofgem.
The company was one of two fined, with Northern Gas Networks receiving a £900,000 fine for a failure to attend gas escapes within a specified time last winter.
Gas distribution operators must respond to 97 per cent of uncontrolled escapes within one hour, and 97 per cent of controlled escapes within two hours.
Neither the gas companies nor the Health and Safety Executive, the body responsible for safety regulation, reported any consumer harm as a result of these failings.
Rachel Fletcher, senior partner smarter grids and governance, distribution at Ofgem, said: "Consumers pay for these important service standards and have a right to expect that they will be met.
"Today's announcement sends a clear message to energy network companies that they risk a financial penalty from Ofgem if they don't meet their obligations to continue to uphold Britain's very high standards in responding to gas escapes on time.
"Ofgem accepts that many parts of Britain experienced bad weather conditions over the last year and individual members of staff from NGN and NGG worked hard in difficult conditions to reach customers that reported gas escapes.
"However, both companies need to plan better for bad weather and ensure that adequate resources and contingency plans are in place to meet the annual targets."
