Energy regulator Ofgem will fine National Grid Gas £4.3 million for failing to meet mandatory targets for attending and assessing gas escapes on time last Winter. The regulator also intends on fining Northern Gas Networks £900,000 for the same offence.

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.”

Between April 2010 and 31 March 2011, both companies failed to meet the target of responding to 97% of controlled and uncontrolled gas escapes within time limits.

John Pettigrew, COO of National Grid’s gas distribution business, said: “Last winter was one of the harshest seen in this country for many years, and our teams worked extremely hard in difficult conditions. We missed our target and told Ofgem as soon as we knew this would be the case, working closely with them during their investigation.

“We take our responsibility to attend and manage gas escapes very seriously, and we have learned lessons from last year that we have embedded into the improved plans we have put in place for this coming winter.”