National Grid: Consults On UK Gas Distribution Price Controls

2nd Aug 2010 12:09

LONDON (Dow Jones)--U.K. gas and power network operator National Grid PLC (NGG) said Monday it has begun preliminary consultations with stakeholders on the gas distribution price control review as the utility reviews its business plans for U.K. gas distribution. The price control reviews are energy regulator Ofgem's mechanism for regulating network businesses to protect the interests of customers. The next gas distribution price control will start in April 2013. "As the future of energy is changing, we are taking a new approach to understanding what our stakeholders want National Grid's gas distribution business to deliver," said National Grid's U.K. Director of Regulation Paul Whittaker. "So that we can include as many views as possible as we deliver our business plans, we are reviewing our approach and process for consulting with our stakeholders and taking early soundings about how and when they wish to be involved," he said. The preliminary consultation will run to the end of August. National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses. -By Selina Williams, Dow Jones Newswires +44 207 842 9262; [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires August 02, 2010 07:09 ET (11:09 GMT)