Wales & West Utilities sets out its five-year plan for gas network sustainability
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) has outlined its ambitions for its next investment period (2026 – 2031), positioning the business to meet the needs of consumers and its stakeholders while addressing the current demands on the gas network and the evolving need for greener and sustainable energy for the future.
Serving over 7.5 million people, including 2.5 million households and 100,000 businesses, WWU plays a critical role in the reliable and efficient distribution of gas right across its widespread network, from the North Wales Mountains to the clifftops of Cornwall.
The business plan for the next period – known as RIIO-GD3 – has been developed with extensive consultation with over 200 engagement activities involving thousands of consumers, stakeholder groups and individual meetings. It commits to strengthening the network’s infrastructure, investing in digital solutions and skills, and ensuring environmentally responsible practices continue to be embedded in all operations to protect and enhance the land that WWU operates across. The plan maintains a focus on tailored services for vulnerable and priority customers, and commits to an annual expenditure of £5 million to support consumers facing hardship due to the cost of living crisis.
Delivering the highest standards of safety and service are central to the five-year plan, building on a strong track record of maintaining the network and achieving 99.7% reliability, meeting regulatory targets for emergency responses, and consistently achieving an annual customer service satisfaction score of 9/10 in the current price control.
Preparing the way for a low-cost transition to cleaner energy is fundamental to WWU and plans are set out for the RIIO-GD3 price control to reduce methane emissions by 16% by harnessing the current capacity of the 21 biomethane plants connected to the network and supporting hydrogen blending. Preparations for a full hydrogen roll out also feature in the five-year plan with digital simulations to test different energy scenarios and to build understanding of consumer choice. The path to a full hydrogen roll-out to decarbonise the network is also underpinned by WWUs commitment to building evidence to contribute to government policy decisions.
Commenting on the business plan, Graham Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of WWU said
This plan embodies our commitment to the gas network today and the sustainable solutions for the future. It is ambitious, yet attainable, paving the way for five years of investment and growth to meet the expectations of our communities, stakeholders and consumers. I am proud of the extensive stakeholder engagement we have undertaken to shape this plan and would like to thank colleagues, customers, and stakeholders for their commitment and contribution to our activities to date. The result is a robust plan that allows us stay true to our core values and provides the ambitious roadmap we can follow to a successful and sustainable future
Project Lead for the Business Plan, Ian Dunstan said:
This has been a challenging business plan to develop with a focus on both continuity of our operations and preparing for a low-carbon future. I believe we have struck the right balance, recognising the importance of our role in power generation, supplying gas to homes, business and industry and laying solid foundations for greener energy. As we focus on moving away from a reliance on fossil fuels, change will be needed by both the gas industry and consumers. Heading into the RIIO-GD3 price control, we expect to have a crucial collective role in preparing and supporting society for this change, to help ensure a fair and just transition for all.
WWU’s business plan has been submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, for assessment and final determination of energy plans for the RIIO-GD3 price control. A call for evidence from Ofgem will give all stakeholders the opportunity to respond to the plans.
WWU invites stakeholders and customers to have their say on the business plan for 2026 – 2031 and to participate in the Ofgem call for evidence. Ofgem will take contributions on the plan from 18th December to 10th February 2025.