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Gas networks have reported demand increasing by a third during the recent prolonged cold snap.
Despite surging demand, particularly last week (w/c 8 February), the reliability of the local gas networks remained at 99.9 per cent.
The week before Storm Darcy, an average winter period, saw a daily demand for gas at around 300 million cubic metres. This grew to 400 million cubic metres after the cold weather struck. The highest spike was on Wednesday 10 February at 414 million cubic metres.
While this was a similar level to 2018’s Beast from the East, the bad weather that year lasted a week or so longer.
Meanwhile, electricity networks faced the possibility of overhead power lines breaking in the plummeting temperatures. However, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) stressed its members had been well prepared, with additional staff on standby and their fleets, which included specialist vehicles, ready to be deployed.
ENA chief executive David Smith said: “Even though demand for gas soared by a third as people looked to heat their homes, the networks responded very well which is a result of the dedication of the frontline teams as well as strategic planning. I am very grateful to all those who have been out working in very challenging conditions to keep energy flowing for customers all across the UK.”
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