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03/02/10: ES Pipelines supports Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

ES Pipelines is supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2010 - a national campaign which aims to highlight the effects of living in a cold home on people’s health.

Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, run by National Energy Action (NEA) and sponsored by EDF Energy, takes place on 12th February and has received backing from high-profile health professional Dr Miriam Stoppard and the Government’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.

Having just experienced the most severe winter in over 30 years, the campaign aims to draw attention to the health problems caused by living in a cold, damp home and urges vulnerable people to keep their heating on until winter ends and temperatures start to warm up.

Last winter temperatures remained as low as minus 6 degrees well into March, leading to concerns that people may have been risking their health by turning their heating off too early in order to save money on their fuel bills.

Nick Clark Development Director of ES Pipelines, said: “Living in a cold damp home can lead to extremely poor health, especially in those who are vulnerable such as older people, young children whose immune system has not yet fully developed and those with long terms sickness and disabilities.

“It is important that people know that there are schemes in place to help them, and to ensure they are keeping warm and healthy throughout the winter period and for as long as the cold weather lasts. Fuel Poverty Awareness day is about acknowledging the issues, helping people to understand the links between fuel poverty and poor health, and making them aware of the help that is available to ensure they are kept warm and well.

“The most important message is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone who is concerned about their fuel bill to contact their energy supplier or to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to access help and advice on staying warm when it is cold without the fear of fuel debt and ill health.”

03/04/09: Mortimer residents get financial incentives to make the switch to gas

Homeowners in the Berkshire village of Mortimer, near Reading, are being offered new incentives to convert to gas central heating.

Energy infrastructure provider ES Pipelines, which extended the national natural gas network to the village in 2005, has teamed up with eaga, the UK's leading provider of residential energy efficiency solutions, to offer rebates on the cost of new gas central heating systems of up to £450. And those who have not yet made the connection can have a service laid for £400 – but this special price is only available until 1st May 2009.

Nick Clark of ES Pipelines said: “There has been a lot of media coverage about the costs of natural gas and electricity but, in truth, those homes that are connected to the national natural gas grid are the lucky ones.

“There are still many households around the country that don't have the choice of heating their homes by natural gas and rely instead on more expensive fuels. Householders in Mortimer now have the choice and we believe this rebate will make the decision to switch to natural gas central heating an even easier one.”

Many Mortimer homes have already switched to natural gas for heating while many more have already had a gas service pipe laid to their property. Those who have a service pipe but no gas meter can have a meter installed for free.

23/03/09: Raising funds for Leukaemia Research

Employees at ES Pipelines have raised over £2100 for Leukaemia Research. A series of raffles, sweepstakes, participation in sponsored events such as the Great South Run, as well as the sale of some of the company's redundant computers all played a part in the fund-raising effort.

In March, representatives of the charity met the company's charity committee to receive a cheque for the total amount. Leukaemia Research's Colman Cawe said: “Thank you for everything you have done to raise funds and awareness for Leukaemia Research – you really have made a difference to the 110,000 people in the UK currently living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders.”

More information on the work of Leukaemia Resarch is available at www.lrf.org.uk.

ES Pipelines' nominated charity for 2009 is the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and fund-raising is already well underway. Rainbow Trust provides practical and emotional support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. More information at www.rainbowtrust.org.uk.

08/10/08: Leadership qualities recognised with industry award

Nick Clark, Development Director at energy infrastructure company ES Pipelines, has received a prestigious award from the Society of British Gas Industries (SBGI). ES Pipelines works with developers, social housing providers and businesses to extend the national natural gas network to communities which otherwise have to rely on other forms of energy.

The SBGI – which represents companies involved in all aspects of the UK gas industry – selects an individual each year who has shown exceptional leadership qualities.

The judges commented: “Leadership has always been a vital element in the successful management of organisations. Yet the nature of such leadership is changing – fast. Today’s organisations need a new style of Leadership to meet the challenges of a new century, a style that will encourage commitment and release the energy and creative talent of staff at all levels. The winner of this year’s Leadership Award – Nick Clark - has demonstrated all those attributes”.

Nick, who was presented with his award by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, said: “This award is a reflection of the team effort behind ESP and we should all be proud that our skill and expertise in this particular sector of the market has been properly recognised and it is well deserved by everyone at ESP.”

Nick joined ES Pipelines in early 2000, after nearly 17 years at British Gas where he was latterly National Housing Development Manager. He is responsible for Marketing and Business Development.

24/09/08: Asset management procedures recognised

Stringent asset management procedures at ES Pipelines have led to the company being certified to the BSI Publicly Available Specification 55 (PAS55-1), a key industry standard.

Certification was awarded by Lloyd's Register UK Asset Management following a detailed assessment of ES Pipelines' policies and procedures.

Terry Mundy of Lloyd's Register UK Asset Management explained: “Achieving PAS55-1 certification means that ES Pipelines can demonstrate to its customers and stakeholders that it is making asset management decisions based on a robust set of procedures. Risks are managed appropriately and investments are being made where they'll have the greatest positive impact.”

Operations Director of ES Pipelines, Mick Carr, added: “As an energy infrastructure company, a vital part of our business is ensuring we manage our assets professionally and in the most cost-effective way. We're committed to ensuring that we meet, if not exceed, all the relevant industry standards across our broadening portfolio.”

05/02/08: ESP Gas Group expands into electricity distribution networks

ESP Gas Group Ltd is moving into the independent electricity distribution market with the acquisition of Laing O'Rourke Energy, a licensed Independent Distribution Network Operator.

ESP Gas Group Ltd, the Leatherhead-based company with operations across Great Britain is now able to offer customers a 'one-stop shop' for the planning and construction of gas and electricity infrastructure for new developments.

ESP Gas Group Managing Director, Robert Wallace, commented: “This is a great step forward for our company. Having established a reputation in the industry for innovative and cost-effective solutions to gas engineering projects, we are looking forward to bringing that same combination of customer focus and innovation to the electricity distribution network business.”

03/12/07: ES Pipelines brings gas to the valley

Households in the Upper Dulais Valley in south Wales are benefiting from access to the national natural gas network, thanks to a project managed by ES Pipelines on behalf of Warm Wales.

The new pipeline runs up the Dulais Valley from Seven Sisters to Banwen. Over 500 homes can now opt for mains natural gas for the first time.

Mrs Diane Griffiths and her two sons were the first household to benefit and have had a new gas central heating boiler installed. She explained: “My old system used expensive oil and I didn't want to spend any more money on oil if I could have the chance of changing to gas quickly. The new central heating is fantastic and was fitted just in time for the cold weather. Now I can make a saving on my heating bills and don't have to worry about watching the gauge on the oil tank.”

Jeremy Nesbitt, Warm Wales Commercial Director said “It is wonderful to see that all our hard work has paid off and people are getting the benefit. Warm Wales put together this scheme with help from the council, National Grid, npower, eaga plc, the Welsh Assembly Government and pipe line owner ES Pipelines. We have also secured grant funds to pay towards the cost of 50 new central heating systems for those families who would not be able to use the gas without help.”

The new pipeline was welcomed by Derek Vaughan, Leader of Neath Port Talbot council. He said: “I know people have been requesting gas for the top of the Dulais Valley for many years. I am delighted that as part of the valleys strategy the council has been able to work with Warm Wales to deliver this project. This will bring huge benefits to many residents.”

ES Pipelines Development Director Nick Clark added: “Projects such as this one show that outlying communities who have been trying unsuccessfully to get connected to the national natural gas network should not give up hope. Our specialist engineers are constantly looking for ways in which we can extend the network in an economic and viable way and we're always pleased to discuss options with local authorities and housing associations who may have had projects turned down in the past.”

Notes to editors:

1.'Warm Wales – bringing warm homes to Neath Port Talbot' is a ‘not for profit’ scheme managed by Warm Wales – Cymru Gynnes Cwmni Buddiant Cymunedol in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, National Grid and Npower. The scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty by delivering energy efficiency measures (loft and cavity wall insulation) and benefits advice to householders.

2.Fuel poverty exists where a family would have to spend 10% or more of the household income (after tax and national insurance deductions) to keep the home sufficiently warm to be comfortable and healthy for those living in it. It is estimated that over 10,000 homes in Neath Port Talbot are in fuel poverty.

3.The scheme began in September 2004 and after 3 years of intensive work, has begun a second two-year phase. During the scheme the Warm Wales team has visited every home in the county (over 60,000 homes). Warm Wales will invest at least £12 million fitting free insulation and some central heating in homes where fuel bills amount to 10% or more of the household income. Free benefits advice and energy efficiency advice will be offered to all householders, to help households to increase their income and cut fuel bills.

4.Improved energy efficiency will save householders money and cut the level of harmful CO2 emissions produced by homes in Neath Port Talbot.

20/05/07: Community Interest company brings affordable energy to the North East

Over 150 houses in Newcastle-upon-Tyne will soon be able to take advantage of mains natural gas thanks to a project involving ES Pipelines.

Development Director Nick Clark met up with Energy Minister Lord Peter Truscott and other guests for the launch of Community Energy Solutions North East (CES). CES is a not-for-profit community interest company which has been tasked with providing environmentally friendly, affordable energy options for households across the North East of England.

More than 20 projects have already been identified for study by CES. One area which is to benefit is the Guinness Trust housing development in Benwell, Newcastle. ES Pipelines is linking 163 homes on the estate to mains gas, removing the reliance on electricity and providing cheaper, on-demand, efficient heating.

Nick Clark said: “We're very pleased to be involved in this innovative community project. We specialise in just this sort of scheme – bringing energy options to households which have not been able to experience the benefits of mains natural gas before.”

Community Energy Solutions North East has been set up as a two-year pilot project with core funding from the Department of Trade and Industry and One North East, the regional development agency. National Grid's Affordable Warmth project is also providing support.

20/10/06: Mains gas extension scheme in the pipeline for Dobwalls

More than 100 homes in Dobwalls are to be given the chance to benefit from the first major mains gas extension scheme in Cornwall in recent years thanks to a partnership by Caradon District Council and ES Pipelines Ltd.

Work is underway to connect 90 of Caradon District Council’s council houses in Twelvewoods Close, Twelvewoods Place and Havett Close to mains gas by Christmas. There will also be provision for privately owned homes on nearby estates to connect to mains gas for around £150 each.

The project is part of Caradon’s work to bring all of its properties up to Decent Homes Standard by 2009 – a year ahead of the government deadline of 2010. As well as being connected to mains gas, the council houses’ coal fires and solid fuel stoves will be replaced with modern energy efficient gas condensing boilers and radiators, which will provide heat for the whole house and constant hot water.

Caradon had originally planned to install electric central heating as there was no mains gas in the north of the village, and the cost of extending a gas pipeline is usually well out of the reach of councils and social landlords. Then Caradon’s local contractor Avent put the council in touch with ES Pipelines, an Ofgem licensed independent gas transporter, which took a very different view to most companies, focusing on the long-term value of extending the gas pipeline network rather than short-term returns.

By working with ES Pipelines, the total cost to the council came to less than that of upgrading electrical supplies to the properties and also gave tenants the benefit of cheaper energy supplies from all of the UK’s energy suppliers.

Nick Clark, Development Director at ES Pipelines, said: “We’ve worked with many social housing providers and others to develop innovative ways of minimising the costs of a project while maintaining the very highest standards of engineering and customer services. In this way we’ve been able to offer the option of mains natural gas to many thousands of homes at affordable prices.”

Mr Clark continued: “In Dobwalls, we’ve managed to develop a project with Caradon District Council which not only provides value for money connections for their properties, but which also offers nearby private homeowners the opportunity to get connected for under £150 each.”

Councillor John Turner, Caradon District Council’s Housing portfolio holder, said: “At Caradon we are keen to ensure that all of our council tenants have Decent Homes with controllable, efficient heating. Seventy per cent of our council homes already meet the standard, and we expect to complete the remaining 30 per cent a year ahead of schedule.

“Most of us take being able to light and heat our homes for granted, but fuel poverty is a very real problem for people in areas without mains gas, which includes large parts of Cornwall. In the Dobwalls area alone an estimated 20 per cent of households suffer from fuel poverty. That makes this new mains gas pipeline particularly welcome both for council tenants and nearby privately owned homes.”

The first council property will have mains gas by the end of October, with all of the gas pipeline work completed by Christmas. Work on installing the central heating systems will begin in December and should be finished by the end of February 2007.

26/06/06: First customers in Rocester connected to national gas network

John and Marion Ball celebrated the connection of their Rocester home to the national natural gas network on Friday in the company of local MP, Janet Dean.

The retired couple, who live in Dovefields, are installing a gas fire for convenient heating as a first step.

Mrs Ball commented: “We’re looking forward to the convenience of gas and it’s wonderful now to have another choice of fuel. It’ll be great to be able to adjust the temperature easily and quickly.”

The project to bring gas to Rocester has been managed by independent gas transporter ES Pipelines, working alongside National Grid’s Affordable Warmth Programme. It was facilitated by the DTI’s Design and Demonstration Unit (DDU) as part of a national pilot to install new gas pipes and associated infrastructure with other energy efficiency measures.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Commercial Manager, National Grid Affordable Warmth has led discussions with partner organisations and said: “For everyone involved in this project this is a proud day – there have been many obstacles along the way but with the support of the DDU, ES Pipelines, Primeshade Contracts, National Grid and particularly local MP Janet Dean we have delivered the first of several hundred new connections and other affordable energy solutions to residents in Rocester.”

Over 600 more households will soon be able to take advantage of piped natural gas when they are connected to the national gas network for the first time. The rest of the customers in the village are expected to be connected by the end of August.

Janet Dean MP added: “I am delighted that we can celebrate the first connection to the natural gas network in Rocester. I’m glad that my constituents in the village will now have the option of using gas in their homes. I would like to thank Jeremy Nesbitt for his hard work and enthusiasm in taking the project forward. I’m also pleased that my initial contact with the Energy Minister on behalf of local residents and the Parish Council has produced such a fantastic result.”

Householders who have not yet signed up for a gas supply should contact ES Pipelines for more information on 01372 227560 (Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm).

Notes to Editors:

1. National Grid’s Affordable Warmth Programme is a fuel poverty programme aligned with the Government’s Fuel Poverty Strategy. It aims to benefit up to one million homes and also supports training in energy-related industries. Since its launch in June 2000, almost 360,000 homes across the UK have benefited from the programme. So far, over 4700 individuals have received training in such skills as central heating installations and energy advice.

2. There are around 4.5 million homes in the UK without access to the gas supply network. Of these, around 1.3 million are considered to be in fuel poverty.

3. The Design and Demonstration Unit is a DTI organisation whose main objectives are to use private sector skills and thinking to develop, design and demonstrate new, innovative and integrated approaches to sustainable energy management and to bridge the gap between broad policy objectives and conventional national programmes. It demonstrates potential by the effective delivery of solutions capable of replication on a national or regional scale.

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