Customer Information Page
ADDRESS
Skinner Street
Gillingham, Kent
ME7 1LA
Who are we?
We are a principal contractor for SGN as part of the southern riser replacement contract.
This is one of the many projects which we have been awarded on this contract. GHP was established in 1945 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. In 2006 we established another office in Erith, South London. Our company has been carrying out this type of work since 1978 all over the country for other gas distribution networks and numerous utility companies.
What are we going to be doing?
Ultimately, we are replacing the gas supply system to your building. The new system will be installed externally to the building. We will need to move your gas meter onto the new network and then we shall be disconnecting the existing gas system which will be rendered obsolete. Our engineers will need to access your property to install the new system, but they will not need access to disconnect you from the old system.
Our engineers will need:
- First Appointment: (Riser Team) We will need to access your property to drill and install a section of the pipework to connect your property to the newly installed external gas supply.
- Second Appointment: (Internal Meter Fitter) To move or re-connect your gas meter from the old supply to the newly installed gas supply.
Why are these works happening?
This is a health and safety directive. The current pipework that provides your gas supply is in working order and perfectly safe, however the network has been surveyed and found that your system is below the expected requirements. As a result we need to construct a new system and remove you from the existing system. The new system is being installed externally to ensure that if there were to be an issue with the new supply, the gas would be able to vent into the atmosphere rather than into the building.
How will the residents know what is going on?
You will receive several letters throughout the project which will have information on the next stages of the project as well as contact information. We are contactable on the email, phone & text details found at the bottom of the website.
You will receive a ‘First Notification Letter’ from SGN stating the intention of works to begin. This letter will be accompanied by a ‘Riser Information Leaflet’ as well as a ‘Resident Information Survey Letter’ and a pre-addressed envelope for you to return the survey.
Soon after, you will receive a ‘Second Notification Letter’ which will state the start date, duration, name & contact details of the riser team should you wish to contact them. This ‘Second Notification Letter’ will arrive no less than two weeks prior to works commencing.
Our dedicated CLO’s (Customer Liaison Officers) will hand deliver these letters as well as knock on every flat in order to obtain contact information off yourselves.
As we near completion of these works, we will be posting a ‘Final Disconnection Letter’ which will be posted no less than 9 working days prior to the disconnection date stated on the letter. This letter will only be received by those flats who have not yet been transferred onto the new system. If you have already had all your necessary appointments, then you do not need to worry and we have no further works to do in your flat.
How can you help?
We fully understand that these works may cause an inconvenience for you, however these works are being done for your health and safety benefit. Such projects usually take time due to the number of properties we need to access.
Simply, the quicker our engineers can access all the required properties, the quicker they can be finished.
Please help us speed up the process by providing your availability to gain access to your premises.
Contact?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate in contacting our CLO’s on the contact information below.
Phone: 01322 333921
Alternative Phone: 0800 500 3025
E-mail: SamPreston@ghpreston.com
E-mail: Enquiries@ghpreston.com
Will I need to take time off work?
A. No, our engineers will work around you. As long as you have given your contact details, the engineers will be able to arrange a visit to best suit you; they work evenings and weekends. However if you are free in the weekday, you will have a much better chance of an appointment, which will cause you minimal issues at a later date.
Will the balance on my gas meter be affected?
A. No. The balance you currently have on your gas meter at the point of the meter move will be the same balance shown on the gas meter on reconnection.
Do I need to inform my gas shipper?
A. No. The works will not affect your balance and will not affect the amount of gas you use.
Will I be without gas?
A. This depends on if you have had your work completed prior to the disconnection date. If both appointments have been completed and your meter has been moved to the new system prior to the disconnection, your gas will see no interruption If your meter has NOT been moved to the new system at the point of disconnection then your property will be cut off gas and you will need to arrange for the engineers to come back to your property which may not be immediate as they will have other works to move onto.
What if I haven’t had my meter moved on to the new supply yet?
A. This is why it is important to provide your details at the earliest opportunity. This can be done via phone, letter, text, speaking to CLO, or speaking to the team carrying out the work onsite. You will need to book an appointment with the riser team or meter fitter carrying out the work. Their number can be found on one of the previous letters sent, or you can call the office to arrange an appointment on the below contact details.
I don’t currently use gas but might change my appliances to gas in the future, should I make someone aware of this?
A. Yes. If you don’t currently use gas but might do in the future, you will need to obtain a ‘Meter Point Reference Number.’ We cannot install a gas supply until you have obtained this and we will only be able to leave a valve outside your property for future use. If you obtain an MPRN number while we are still working on the property, we can install a gas supply
I have a gas meter but do not want gas – Do these works need to be completed?
A. This depends on if you are a tenant or property owner. If you own the property, then at your discretion, you can choose to not have the works done. If you are a leaseholder or tenant, the works need to be completed.
Will I be charged for these works
A. No. These works are FOC and there will be no cost to the residents or freeholders.
Do you have permission for these works with the landlords / property agents or council?
A. Yes. Depending on if your building is council owned or managed by a property agent, SGN have agreed with the relevant party that the works can go ahead prior to the residents receiving any notification of works. If you are the freeholder of a property, these works can be refused at your discretion, however the gas supply will be disconnected.
