On Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:07:16 +0000, Keith(Southend) wrote:

Not even one week of "The Big Freeze" and the gas supplies are being
strained. Why am I not surprised?

What is occurring on the gas supply system is to be expected under these
conditions. Interruptible gas contracts mean that users pay less for their
gas but have to switch to an alternative fuel such as oil if requested to
do so by National Grid. The number of days this can happen in a supply
yearare defined in these contracts.

There has also been a temporary partial loss of a supply down the Langeled
pipeline into Easington. Such events happen from time to time and this is
allowed for in the planning of the gas supply system.

The comments by both the energy minister and the opposition spokesman on
the subject only underline their lack of understanding of gas supply and
demand.

Alan Gardiner
Chiswell Green, St Albans
101m ASL
07/01/2010 23:03:26