Talks over extending gas network in Carrickfergus

Phoenix Natural Gas is in talks with the Utility Regulator over increasing the availability of natural gas in Carrickfergus.
Broadlands in Carrickfergus (image by Google).Broadlands in Carrickfergus (image by Google).
Broadlands in Carrickfergus (image by Google).

The issue was previously raised by Carrick Castle councillor, Alderman Billy Ashe, at a recent meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

"While [gas] is available in Carrickfergus, it is not available across the town and not available in most private estates in Carrickfergus," said Ald Ashe, who is chairperson of the council's Energy Group.

“One constituent was quoted £30,000 to bring a pipeline into their house.”

He indicated that he and the council’s director of operations Philip Thompson had met with the energy regulator.

“Carrick is classed as urban, but does not enjoy facilities associated with being in an urban area," he added.

One resident of Broadlands said the pipeline supplying the area stops several hundred feet from his property.

"Phoenix have skirted areas like Broadlands, and I am sure many others, providing gas to homes close to main roads while refusing to connect homes further from the main road," the resident said.

"This has the effect of denying access to some two thirds of the homes in these areas."

Responding, a spokesperson for the company said: "Phoenix Natural Gas would like to make gas available to as many properties as possible; however, as a regulated business, we can only complete development of our network where we are permitted to recover the cost of doing so.

"In line with the principles of our operating licence, we undergo periodic price control reviews undertaken by the Utility Regulator. As part of this review, the Utility Regulator determines a level of allowances that Phoenix Natural Gas can utilise for extending the gas network further.

"As determined by Utility Regulator as part of the price control, if the cost of extending the network in a particular street exceeds the allowances granted, Phoenix Natural Gas is required to request the additional costs as a contribution from the customer(s) requesting the network extension. This is a standard regulated process that is detailed in the Phoenix Natural Gas Connection Policy.

"However in response to various representations from customers, Phoenix Natural Gas have been involved in discussions with the Utility Regulator’s office over a period of time to understand what opportunities might exist for the regulated allowances to be increased, so that remaining properties in areas such as Broadlands can have the benefits of natural gas made available to them.

"We are currently awaiting Utility Regulator’s decision on this matter."

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