During the gas winter season, demand for gas by UK domestic, commercial and industrial users is far higher that during the summer months, largely as a result of the weather.
The resulting increased demand on the UK gas network presents a unique set of risks and challenges for the gas system operator, National Grid Gas (NGG), and gas suppliers in ensuring that they are able to meet the high level of demand at all times, regardless of external factors.
Where exceptional circumstances comprise the ability of the network to supply all of the gas that it being drawn from it, the system operator has the ability to implement a set of emergency procedures designed to ensure system safety and to bring supply and demand back into balance.
The purpose of gas contingency seminars is to inform gas market participants and other interested parties of the measures currently in place to deal with any gas supply emergency situations.
They are also a chance for Ofgem, NGG and suppliers to explain the work they have been doing to reduce the chances of a gas supply emergency ever occurring, and to minimise the impact should one ever occur.