Electricity and Gas Connections & Emergencies

If your energy connection was with CNG

If your electricity and gas connection is with a supplier who has gone bust, such as CNG, there are several steps you can take to address the situation. First, it is crucial to contact CNG’s customer service or helpline to confirm the situation and gather any relevant information regarding the impact on your energy supply. This will help you understand the current status and the steps being taken by CNG.

You can contact CNG through Ofgem here.

Next, it is important to take meter readings for both your electricity and gas meters at your premises. This will ensure accurate billing and consumption information during the transition to a new supplier. It is advisable to record these readings and keep them for reference.

Researching alternative energy suppliers in your area is the next step. Look for reputable suppliers and consider factors such as pricing, customer reviews, and any special offers or deals they may have. This information can be found online or by contacting your local energy regulator.

Once you have identified a suitable alternative supplier, reach out to them to initiate the switching process. The new supplier will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include providing meter readings, personal information, and agreeing to a new contract. They will handle the transition process and ensure an uninterrupted energy supply for your home or business.

Remember to update any direct debits or recurring payments that you had set up with CNG. Update your payment details with the new supplier to avoid any disruptions in billing or late payment charges.

It is also important to review any existing contracts or obligations you had with CNG, such as fixed-term agreements. Understand if there are any penalties or exit fees associated with terminating those contracts, and assess the most appropriate course of action.

Familiarize yourself with consumer protection laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. These provisions are in place to safeguard your rights and ensure a smooth transition to a new supplier during situations like this. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process or encounter difficulties, consider seeking guidance from consumer advocacy groups or energy regulatory authorities who can provide assistance.

What should you do if you’re facing an Electricity and Gas emergency?

Minor Electricity and Gas Emergencies:

In the case of minor emergencies such as a loss of electricity or gas supply, you can take the following steps:

1. Check for localized issues: Before assuming a widespread outage, check if the loss of supply is isolated to your premises. Check the circuit breaker panel or fuse box to ensure that a circuit hasn’t tripped. For gas supply issues, ensure that the main gas valve is open.
2. Contact your utility provider: If the issue is not localized to your premises and you are experiencing a loss of electricity or gas supply, contact your utility provider’s customer service helpline. Report the situation and provide them with necessary details such as your account number, address, and a description of the problem. They will be able to provide information about any ongoing outages or offer guidance on troubleshooting steps.
3. Follow utility provider instructions: Follow any instructions or guidance provided by your utility provider. They may ask you to perform certain checks or reset procedures to restore the supply. If they are unable to resolve the issue remotely, they will guide you on further steps, such as scheduling a technician visit.

Major Electricity and Gas Emergencies:

In the event of a major electricity and gas emergency that poses immediate risks to safety or involves hazardous situations, follow these steps:

1. Evacuate if necessary: If you smell gas, hear hissing sounds, or suspect a gas leak, prioritize personal safety and evacuate the premises immediately. Move to a safe location away from the affected area and alert others nearby.
2. Call emergency services: Dial the emergency services number in your country (e.g., 999 in the UK) to report the electricity and gas emergency. Inform them about the nature of the emergency, your location, and any pertinent information that can help them respond appropriately. Follow their instructions and cooperate fully.
3. Notify utility provider: After contacting emergency services, notify your utility provider about the emergency situation. They will be able to provide additional guidance and coordinate with emergency responders if needed.
4. Do not attempt repairs yourself: In hazardous situations, refrain from attempting any repairs or interventions on your own. Leave the assessment and resolution of the emergency to trained professionals.

Remember, it is crucial to prioritize safety and follow the guidance of emergency services and utility providers during electricity and gas emergencies.

What is classed as an Energy Emergency?

An energy emergency refers to a situation where there is a significant disruption or threat to the energy supply system, which may lead to a shortage of energy resources or pose a risk to public safety, infrastructure, or the economy. It can occur in various sectors of the energy industry, including electricity, natural gas, petroleum, or other sources of energy.

Your business should seek help for an energy emergency when it encounters a significant disruption or threat to its energy supply that poses risks to operations, public safety, infrastructure, or the economy. An energy emergency can vary depending on the specific circumstances and industry, but here are some situations where seeking help is crucial:

1. Power outage: If your business experiences a prolonged power outage that affects critical operations or poses safety risks, it is important to seek assistance. This could include contacting your electricity provider, local authorities, or emergency services to report the outage and receive updates on restoration efforts.
2. Gas supply disruption: If your business relies on natural gas and faces a sudden shortage or disruption in supply, especially during critical times, it is important to seek help. Contact your gas supplier or relevant authorities to report the issue and explore alternative solutions if available.
3. Equipment failure: In the event of equipment failure that compromises your energy supply or poses safety risks, seeking assistance is crucial. This could include contacting maintenance technicians, equipment suppliers, or emergency services to address the issue promptly and minimize any potential damage or disruptions.
4. Fuel shortage: If your business heavily relies on a specific fuel type, such as diesel or propane, and experiences a shortage, it is essential to seek help. Contact your fuel supplier or relevant authorities to understand the situation, explore alternative options, and ensure that your operations are not severely impacted.
5. Safety concerns: If you identify any safety concerns related to your energy infrastructure or systems, it is important to seek help immediately. This could involve contacting relevant experts, authorities, or emergency services to address the safety risks and prevent potential accidents or hazards.
6. Regulatory compliance: If your business operates in an industry with strict energy regulations, and you suspect or become aware of a potential violation, seeking assistance is necessary. Contact regulatory bodies or relevant experts to address the issue and ensure compliance with the applicable rules and regulations.

How do I obtain a new Electricity Connection for my business?

1. Identify the electricity provider: Determine the electricity provider or utility company that serves your area. This information can usually be found on their website or by contacting their customer service.
2. Contact the electricity provider: Get in touch with the electricity provider and inquire about the process for obtaining a new electricity connection for your business. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance.
3. Provide business details: Provide the electricity provider with details about your business, including the location of your premises, type of business, estimated power requirements, and any other relevant information they may require.
4. Submit application: Fill out the application form provided by the electricity provider. Include accurate information and ensure that you have completed all the required fields. The form can usually be obtained from the electricity provider’s website or their customer service center.
5. Provide supporting documents: Gather the necessary documents as specified by the electricity provider. Typically, these documents may include proof of business ownership (such as registration documents), identification proof, address proof, and any other documents required to verify your business and its location.
6. Pay connection charges: Electricity providers often require applicants to pay connection charges, which cover costs related to meter installation, infrastructure setup, and other administrative fees. The electricity provider will provide you with details regarding the charges and the payment process.
7. Site inspection and infrastructure setup: Once your application is submitted and the connection charges are paid, the electricity provider will conduct a site inspection. A representative will visit your business premises to assess the feasibility of providing an electricity connection. They will check the existing infrastructure and determine the necessary equipment and setup required.
8. Meter installation: After the site inspection, the electricity provider will proceed with the installation of an electricity meter at your business premises. Trained technicians will install the meter and connect it to the power supply. They will ensure that the installation meets safety standards and complies with regulations.
9. Connection activation: Once the meter installation is complete, the electricity provider will activate the connection and supply electricity to your business. They will provide you with the necessary information on how to access and utilize the electricity supply.

How do I obtain a new Gas Connection for my business?

To obtain a new gas connection for your business, you’ll need to follow these general steps:

1. Contact the gas utility company: Identify the gas utility company that operates in your area and get in touch with them. You can usually find their contact information on their website or by calling their customer service hotline.
2. Inquire about requirements: Speak with the gas utility company representative and inquire about the specific requirements for obtaining a new gas connection. They will provide you with the necessary information regarding the application process, documentation, fees, and any other requirements.
3. Gather necessary documents: Prepare the required documents as outlined by the gas utility company. These documents typically include proof of business ownership (such as registration documents), identity proof (such as your ID card or passport), address proof (such as utility bills or lease agreement), and any other documents specified by the gas utility company.
4. Submit application: Complete the application form provided by the gas utility company. Ensure that you provide accurate information and attach all the required documents. Submit the application form and documents to the designated office or through their online portal, if available.
5. Site inspection: After receiving your application, the gas utility company will schedule a site inspection. A representative will visit your business premises to assess the feasibility of providing a gas connection. They will inspect the existing infrastructure, safety measures, and other relevant factors.
6. Pay connection charges: Once the site inspection is completed successfully, you will receive a quotation for the connection charges. This typically includes the cost of installation, meter fees, security deposit, and any other applicable charges. Pay the fees as per the instructions provided by the gas utility company.
7. Installation and connection: After receiving payment, the gas utility company will proceed with the installation of the gas connection. Trained technicians will set up the required equipment, including the gas meter and other necessary infrastructure. Once the installation is complete, the gas supply will be connected to your business premises.
8. Compliance and safety checks: The gas utility company may conduct compliance and safety checks to ensure that your business adheres to the necessary safety regulations. They may inspect the equipment, ventilation, and other safety measures to ensure proper usage of the gas connection.
9. Start using the gas connection: Once all the checks are completed and the gas connection is deemed safe, you can start using the gas supply for your business operations. Make sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by the gas utility company to ensure the proper and safe use of the gas connection.