Vulnerability specialist roundtable
Since the start of our current Gas Distribution price control planning period 2021-2026 (RIIO -GD2), we’ve faced many challenges and dilemmas. Most notably perhaps, has been the shifting balance of maintaining a safe and reliable network now, working towards a net zero future, and keeping costs down for our customers.
A fundamental part of our planning process is to continually listen to our customer’s and stakeholder’s views, using them to inform our plans and acting on them where we can.
This online event brought together specialist vulnerability stakeholders from within our partnership network to let them hear our progress against our RIIO-GD2 commitments, and for them to tell us what is working well and where they think we need to focus going forward.
As we begin working on our business plan for the next Gas Distribution price control period 2026 – 2031 (RIIO-GD3), such insight will be invaluable as we make key decisions on where we invest time and money to strike the right balance between priority areas. .
1
online event
36
engagements
30
cross-sector organisations from the public, private and third sectors representing nationwide vulnerability interests
Key insights
Stakeholders believe there will be an increase in the number of people requiring additional support to heat their homes. The majority of those attending therefore think increased investment will be needed.
Gas should remain an option for heating, especially where other energy sources are more costly and/or inefficient. Gas should be part of a wider set of measures, such as improving insulation, that can offer the most economical and sustainable heating mechanism for households.
The Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) should be retained in RIIO-GD3 to continue the funding of “life changing” initiatives in collaboration with our vulnerability partners.
If VCMA is retained, it should be allocated by customer need rather than the current system of allocating based on customer numbers. Stakeholders felt this would enable better targeting of funding to those most in need.
Download to learn more
248 – SGN Stage 2 Vulnerability Stakeholder Roundtable, Oct-23 – Report
248 – SGN Stage 2 Vulnerability Stakeholder Roundtable, Oct-23 – Presentation