September 2017 Distributed Gas Information StrategyForeward 3 High-level strategy 3 Detailed strategy 4 Distributed Gas Connections Guide 4 Initial Enquiry 4 Capacity Study 4 Connecting to our network 5 Adopted Entry Facility 5 Feasibility Study 5 Agreements 6 Stakeholder engagement 6 Contact information 7 Appendix 1 – Process Flow Diagram 8Foreward This Distributed Gas Information Strategy has been written to explain how we intend to ensure all existing and potential new users of our distribution network are able to receive a sufficient level of information and satisfactory standard of service in relation to our distributed gas connections process and matters relevant to it. Stakeholder engagement will continue to play an important role in allowing us to understand our customers’ needs. This will inform the need for changes in the provision of information to users and identify areas for performance improvement, process improvement or further development. Initial Enquiry Form an indicative view on the potential for the distribution network to accept the entry capacity Capacity Study Undertake a detailed analysis of the existing demands on the distribution network Agreements Formal agreement to undertake the work through a Network Connection Agreement (NCA) and Network Entry Agreement (NEA) Adopted Entry Facility The delivery facility operator can design, procure and install the approved entry equipment for the adoption of specific items by us Feasibility Study Optional detailed technical study on the physical arrangements and estimated cost of making an entry connection by us or High-level strategy The high-level strategy is set out in a five-stage approach, as shown below. SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy 3Detailed strategy Distributed Gas Connections Guide We have developed a Distributed Gas Connections Guide, which provides information for customers seeking to connect to our gas distribution network. The Guide provides details of the UK gas industry as a whole, the role of distributed gas, the statutory and regulatory framework and general information on how to get connected. The Distributed Gas Connections Guide can be found on our website sgn.co.uk Initial Enquiry 1The Initial Enquiry provides customers with an indicative view on the suitability of our distribution network to accept the volume of distributed gas indicated in the customer's submission. This service is free of charge. The Initial Enquiry response will include: ŸThe location of the main(s) in relation to the site ŸThe pressure of the main(s) ŸThe diameter and material of the main(s) ŸA view on the suitability of the main(s) to accept the volume of distributed gas. We will aim to provide this information within 15 working 2days from receipt of the enquiry from the customer. Capacity Study 1The Capacity Study report builds on the information provided under the earlier Initial Enquiry response and develops detailed network analysis on a specific site location to understand any potential constraints on the distribution network. The Capacity Study report is chargeable and will provide a quotation to undertake this work. The Capacity Study report will include: ŸLocation of the site ŸNetwork schematics ŸPhotographs and maps, where appropriate ŸDetailed information on the available capacity, and ŸAny other relevant information. 2We will aim to issue the study within 30 working days of the receipt of an acceptance from the customer to carry out the work. 4SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy Adopted Entry Facility If you decide to follow the adopted route for the entry facility we will provide you with an FDS (SGN/SP/BIO/2) which gives you the technical requirements we would expect the facility to adhere to. Once the facility has been constructed, validated and commissioned we will adopt, as a minimum, the following pieces of equipment: ŸRemotely Operated Valve ŸRemote Telemetry Unit ŸConnecting pipeline to our network. Feasibility Study Following a request for a Feasibility Study, we will provide a quotation and upon receipt of an acceptance, initiate our construction team to carry out a technical project assessment to determine the physical arrangement of the entry compound and the connecting pipeline to 3our distribution network, if applicable. The Feasibility Study will also provide an indication of the costs involved in installing the entry facility equipment and the connection to the network where one has been requested. The estimated timescale for completion of the Feasibility Study is 10 weeks but is dependent on the project complexity. or Connecting to our network There are two choices when connecting to our network: 1. You can design and install the facility following the guidance in our Functional Design Specification (FDS) and at the end of which we will adopt specific items of equipment; or 2. We can provide you with a Feasibility Study to carry out the design, procurement and installation of the entry facility. 1 The Initial Enquiry and Capacity Study are non-competitive and are therefore included in a voluntary Standard of Service. 2 The timescales indicated only apply to projects below a network pressure of 7bar and were agreed as part of the Energy Networks Association DN Entry Group. 3 The provision of a gas connection service is open to competition. Information of independent connection providers who hold Gas Industry Registration Scheme (GIRS) membership can be found at the following website: http://www.lloydsregister.co.uk/girs SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy 5Agreements As previously indicated two scenarios exist for the construction of an entry facility and both need to have a Connections Agreement and Network Entry Agreement in place with us before gas can flow into our network. In the case of the Adopted Entry Facility a Connections Agreement must be signed between both parties to ensure the installation is fit for adoption and has been designed and constructed in accordance with the FDS. The installation will also require validation and commissioning. Where we have been asked to construct the facility, and subject to a satisfactory Feasibility Study, we will prepare and issue a Connections Agreement for signature. The Connections Agreement will form the contractual arrangements to proceed with the detailed design and build of the project. The Connections Agreement sets out both parties’ obligations for the onsite works associated with the physical entry connection into the gas distribution network. The Network Entry Agreement sets out the technical and operational conditions for the entry connection, as required by the Uniform Network Code (UNC). This covers responsibilities for the maintenance and operation of the connection and entry facility. This agreement is required under all circumstances. The timescales to complete this element of the project can vary depending on the project complexity. As an indication this would normally take between 12 to 18 months from the customer’s signed acceptance of the Connections Agreement. As part of the Network Entry Agreement a risk assessment of gas quality (SGN/PM/GQ8) must be undertaken to understand more fully the implications on the distribution network. Appendix 1 at the end of this document provides an overview of the Distributed Gas Connections Process. Stakeholder engagement In order to add value for our customers we are developing and implementing stakeholder engagement plans for distributed gas. These will keep stakeholders informed about relevant issues, business activities and decision-making and other developments related to distributed gas, increasing two-way understanding. 6SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy Contact us Please contact our Customer Service team with any questions you have. Call us 0800 912 1700 Fax us 0845 026 0016 @ Email us customer@sgn.co.uk www Write to us SGN 2nd Floor Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 3AQ If you are deaf or hearing impaired and have a minicom or textphone please contact us on 0800 372 787 To find out more about our charges, visit sgn.co.uk If your enquiry remains unresolved you may wish to contact the Ombudsman Services: Energy, who can be contacted as follows: 0330 440 1624 enquiries@os-energy.org PO Box 966, Warrington, WA4 9DF 0330 440 1625 0330 440 1600 Should it prove necessary to refer the matter to Ofgem for a determination, all correspondence should be addressed to: The Chairman, The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority Office of Gas and Electricity Markets 9 Millbank London SW1P 3GE @ SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy 7Process Flow Diagram Undertake initial analysis and issue response to customer (D+15) Signed Capacity Study acceptance Prepare Capacity Study report and issue to customer (D+30) Prepare Feasibility Study quotation and issue to customer Signed Feasibility Study acceptance Customer constructs entry facility to SGN specification Signed Connections Agreement Prepare Feasibility Study report and issue to customer SGN adopts relevant entry equipment Prepare Network Entry Agreement and issue to customer Initiate detailed design and build package and construct entry facility Signed Connections Agreement Signed NEA End Initial enquiry received from customer Prepare Adopted Connections Agreement and issue to customer Appendix 1 Customer requests Capacity Study No Yes Does customer wish to proceed? NoYes Customer requests agreement NoYes Prepare Connections Agreement and issue to customer No Yes Adopted entry facility 8SGN Distributed Gas Information Strategy Next >