29km of Stockport gas pipes set for upgrade by 2023

Gas network operator, Cadent, has revealed that over 29 km of gas pipes in Stockport are receive an upgrade between April 2022 and March 2023.

Cadent has planned £70 million of upgrades for the gas distribution network in the North-west, which will see some of the country’s oldest energy infrastructure (some pipes still in use were installed over 100 years ago) replaced with plastic. New pipes will be suitable for future use with hydrogen fuel as part of plans to decarbonise the region. Upgrades form part of a 30 year programme of works, due to conclude in 2032.

The mains replacement programme confirmed for the year April 2022 to March 2023 includes more than 450,000 metres of gas mains across the North-west, of which 29,071 metres will be within the borough of Stockport, with 600 engineers employed across the region to undertake the work.

Cadent’s Craig Horrocks explained the importance of the work:

“More than 80 per cent of homes in the North West rely on gas for central heating and it’s our job to make sure they get it, safely and reliably, every minute of every day of the year.

“As our older stock reaches the end of its safe working life, we must replace it.

“We’re also excited by the arrival soon of hydrogen to our networks, which is going to be essential to the North West achieving its targets to reduce carbon emissions.

“In most cases we’re able to insert the new pipe into the old one, a technique that reduces the time of each project and means we don’t have to dig as much.

“It also means an end to what often becomes increasingly-frequent visits – with associated disruption – to repair faults on the older metallic mains, as they start to show signs of age.

“We know it’s not ideal, but my team is determined to move as quickly as they safely can and get the work done with as little disruption as possible.”

Gas will remain throughout the work, although in some cases properties that take a direct feed from the pipe being replaced will lose supply for up to 12 hours, as their building is connected in to the new main. Everyone is given advance notice of this and customer teams will be available to answer any questions.

Cadent will also work with local highways authorities to conduct works with minimal disruption.