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Scope, Purpose, Objectives

1.   Scope
Much of the work undertaken by members of this group is carried out on behalf of National Grid, Scotia Gas Networks, Wales & West and Northern Gas Networks.

Membership is open to Transmission and Distribution Engineers involved in undertaking the installation and maintenance of large diameter mains and associated equipment, used in the UK’s National Transmission System, and the distribution pipes in the roads and streets of the local networks.

Utility Infrastructure Providers are also members of the Network Engineering Section. Their primary function is the provision of connections – i.e. the pipe from the road to the clients meter position for domestic & I&C properties.

2.   Purpose
As the principal representative body for Network Engineering companies in the UK, the Group’s main purpose is be to provide a forum for discussion and a means of initiating and undertaking collective action, where appropriate, with regard to the development of Network Engineering Services and to promote business and public awareness regarding the availability of competitive gas infrastructure services.

3.   Objectives
To keep members informed on all matters relevant to the gas industry as a whole and network engineering in particular, identifying key issues as they arise and coordinating an industry response.

To represent and promote members’ interests in respect of technical, legislative, regulatory, marketing, quality, environmental, safety and skills issues - to Ofgem, the DTI and other stakeholders

To provide a forum for discussion and a means for initiating and undertaking collective action, to develop and promote the sale of Network Engineering Services.

To encourage the further development of competition in utilities infrastructure provision and support the removal of any perceived barriers.

To provide members with the opportunity for networking with each other and with key decision makers in Government and other organisations relevant to their operation.

To enable members to keep up with relevant changes in contestable work in other utility areas - notably electrical, water and telecoms - and regulatory issues.

To enhance the standards and reputation of Transmission and Distribution Contractors and Utilities Infrastructure Providers.

4.   Main Activities

Members meet on a regular basis to network with their colleagues and discuss matters affecting their companies.

Members hear from representatives of other companies or organisations impacting on the
operation of their business, invited to give to give presentations and answer questions.

Represent the views of members on the formation of draft legislation with government bodies and the development of codes of practice with BSI, IGEM etc.

Establish key activities and agree a work programme.

Responding to relevant BERR and Ofgem consultations as a collective industry voice

Enable representatives to meet with and present the collective views of the group to Government, its agencies and other organisations etc

Liaise with interested parties – eg Distribution Networks - on issues of common interest.

Make recommendations for modification or enhancement, where appropriate to the existing and proposed regulatory and legislative framework.

Establish ‘expert groups’ as required, to complete specific tasks as directed by the
members.

Hold separate meetings, when required, to cover topics only relevant to members carrying out utilities infrastructure work or work pertinent to transmission and distribution contractors.

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