Natural Gas Emergency Plan

Natural Gas Emergency Plan
Task List
Next End
How to use the training material……
This package has been designed to take you through the

key aspects of the Natural Gas Emergency Plan.
It will be useful to have a copy of the plan available to refer

to as you go through this training package.
The Task List box on each page will enable you to navigate
around the package – just click on any of the buttons.
Task List
If you want to know more about a specific subject you can
Next
click on any box with a red outline for more information.
Previous
End
Learning Aims……
When you have completed this training package you will be

able to describe;
• The Role of the National Gas Emergency Manager
• The Role of the Gas Emergency Planning Group
• The Role of the Gas Emergency Response Team

Task List
• The Triggers for Declaring an Emergency
Next
• The Activation & Operation of the Team
Previous
• Supporting Procedures
End
Aim & Purpose of the Natural Gas Emergency Plan……
The Aims of the Plan are to;
• Protect the Safety of the General Public

• Protect Property & Key Infrastructure
• Minimise Distribution
The Purpose of the Plan is to;
• Detail the Arrangements for Managing a Gas Supply Emergency Task List
• Describe the Arrangements for Managing Electricity Interactions
• Define the Roles & Responsibilities of all Responders Next
Previous
End
Emergency Framework……
GOVERNMENT CIVIL
EMERGENCIES
NATURAL GAS
EMERGENCY PLAN
NGEP NGEP Task List

TRANSMISSION DISTRIBUTION
(BORD GAIS) (BORD GAIS) Next
Previous
JOINT EIRGRID/BG
EMERGENCY PLAN End
Emergency Planning……
GAS EMERGENCY
PLANNING GROUP (GEPG)
Emergency Planning body chaired

by the NGEM with representation
from government (CER) and from
across the gas and electricity
industries.
Task List
Responsible for ensuring the
effectiveness of the NGEP including Next
reviewing, testing and developing
the emergency arrangements. The Previous
Group would typically meet
quarterly.
End
Emergency Response……
GAS EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TEAM (GERT)
Emergency Response body chaired

by the NGEM with a core
membership of CER, Gaslink, Bord
Gais and EirGrid.
Task List
The GERT would only be
established in the event of a gas Next
supply emergency or to test the
arrangements and would be
responsible for managing the Previous
operational response.
End
Structure of the Plan……
PART – A Describes the framework for

BACKGROUND emergency planning and response.
Describes the arrangements for

PART – B
the activation and operation of the
OPERATIONS
Gas Emergency Response Team
PART – C Provides supporting information, Task List

SUPPORTING INFORMATION documentation and procedures.
Next
Previous
End
SECTION A - Background……
1.0 Scope
2.0 Purpose
3.0 Governance
Task List
Next
4.0 Framework
Previous
Roles & End

5.0
Responsibilities
SECTION B - Operations……
6.0 Triggers
7.0 Activation
Task List
8.0 Operation Next
Previous
End
SECTION C – Supporting Information……
9.0 Contact Information
10.0 Supporting Procedures
Task List
11.0 Capability
Next
Previous
12.0 Administration
End
Triggers……
Describes the triggers for declaring a

INCIDENT TRIGGER potential or actual emergency and
the information source.
Task List
Next
Previous
End
Activation……
Describes the arrangements for

notification and declaration of a
ACTIVATION potential or actual emergency and
the implementation of the plan.
Task List
Next
Previous
End
Operation……
Describes the arrangements for the

OPERATION operation of the plan.
Task List
Next
Previous
End
Gas Emergency Response Team Structure……
CORE TEAM NGEM
Emergency
Control
GERT
Task List
Bord Gais EirGrid
Gas Industry Electricity Next
Industry
Previous
CER
Government End
Emergency Response Templates……
INCIDENT DECLARATION
SITUATION REPORT
(SITREP)
Task List
ACTION PLAN Next
Previous
End
Role Guidance Notes……
NATIONAL GAS EMERGENCY MANAGER
BORD GAIS NETWORKS REPRESENTATIVE
EIRGRID REPRESENTATIVE
Task List
Next
CER REPRESENTATIVE
Previous
GAS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
SUPPORT TEAM
End
Summary……
You have now completed the training package.
If there are uncertain on any points covered in

the material or you require any further
information please contact Gaslink
at www.gaslink.ie
Task List
Next
Previous
End
Task List
Start End
Government Civil Emergency Arrangements……
• The lead government department for gas emergencies is;

Department for Communication, Energy & Natural Resources
• DCENR would normally be contacted by CER in an emergency

but may participate in the Response Team if necessary.
• DCENR would provide an interface with the Central Government

emergency response engaging with other government
departments as required.
Task List
Return
Natural Gas Emergency Plan……
• The Natural Gas Emergency Plan details the arrangements for

the management of a gas supply emergency.
• The Plan defines the role of the National Gas Emergency Manager
and the Response Team.
• The Plan is approved by CER who also appoints the National

Gas Emergency Manager.
• The Plan has three supporting procedures;

 NGEP – Transmission
Task List
 NGEP – Distribution
 Joint EirGrid/Bord Gais Emergency Plan
Return
Gas Emergency Planning Group……
The Gas Emergency Planning Group is chaired by Gaslink and

includes representation from the gas industry, electricity industry
and government.
The role of the group is as follows;
 To regularly review the NGEP and ensure that is fit for purpose,
 To ensure that the NGEP is exercised, normally annually,
 To ensure relevant personnel are trained/briefed and
 To review the learning from national and international incidents.
Task List
Return
Gas Emergency Response Team……
CORE TEAM NGEM The Gas Emergency Response
Emergency Team is called by the NGEM in
Control
the event of a gas supply
emergency. Representatives
from industry and government
participate and the body is
supported by Bord Gais
GERT Networks.
Bord Gais EirGrid

Gas Industry Electricity
Industry
Task List
CER
Government
Return
NGEP – Section A, Scope……
Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

would be read in advance of an emergency.
1.Scope
Describes the legal status of the plan and outlines key
aims, specifically;
 To protect the safety of the general public,

 To protect property and key infrastructure and
 To minimise disruption resulting from the emergency
Task List
Return
NGEP – Section A, Purpose……

2. Purpose
Describes the purpose and objectives of the plan,
specifically;
 Appointment of the NGEM,

 Approval of the NGEP,
 Roles and responsibilities of responders,
 Interactions with the electricity industry,
 Interactions with connected systems and
 Arrangements for managing an emergency. Task List
Return
NGEP – Section A, Governance……

3.Governance
The NGEP is prepare by Gaslink and is approved by

the
Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).
The NGEM is appointed by the NGEM and this role is

currently filled by a member of Gaslink.
Task List
Return
NGEP – Section A, Framework……

4.Framework
Describes the framework in place for the management

of a gas supply emergency including the roles and
responsibilities of the following;
 Gas Emergency Planning Group and

 Gas Emergency Response Team
Task List
Return
NGEP – Section A, Roles & Responsibilities……

5.Roles & Responsibilities
Describes the roles and responsibilities of all gas

industry,
government and other responders to a gas supply
emergency.
Task List
Return
NGEP – Section B, Triggers……
Section B contains operational information and would be used

during an emergency.
6.Triggers
Describes the three different categories of emergency
that would trigger the activation of the NGEP,
specifically;
 Gas supply emergency,

 Electricity supply emergency and
 Other (e.g. severe weather or pandemic)
Task List
Return
NGEP – Section B, Activation……

7.Activation
This section describes the following arrangements;
 Notification of an emergency,
 Declaration of an emergency and
 Activation of the NGEP.
This section also describes the structure of the

Gas Emergency Response Team and the roles Task List
and responsibilities of team members.
Return
NGEP – Section B, Operation……

8. Operation
This section describes operation of the Gas

Emergency
Response Team including;
 Information gathering,
 Incident assessment,
 Development of the action plan,
 Progress monitoring and Task List
 Stranddown, review and reporting.
Return
NGEP – Section C
Section C contains the supporting information and

documentation required to implement the plan.
In part 10 this includes;
 Role Guidance Notes,

 Response Templates and
 Supporting Procedures.
Part 11 describes the capability requirements for the NGEM.
Part 12 describes the arrangements for updating the NGEP.

Task List
Return
Triggers……
• National or local gas supply deficit

Gas (insufficient gas to meet demand)
• National or local gas transportation constraint
(damage to critical plant)
Source: Bord Gáis • Gas quality emergency (including odorant failure)
Networks • Loss of supply to more than 5000 gas consumers
• Failure of major gas market participant
Electricity • Electricity supply deficit (insufficient generation for demand)

• Electricity transportation constraint (damage to critical plant)
• Emergency rota disconnection (planned power cuts)
Source: EirGrid/ESBN • Widespread loss of supply and/or to critical sites
• Failure of major electricity market participant
• Severe weather conditions

Other
• Flu pandemic or other medical emergency
• Potential or actual threat of terrorist attack
• Potential or actual industrial relations emergency
Source: CER/DCENR • Disruption to water, fuel, telecoms or key infrastructure Task List
•Request for support from Northern Ireland and/or Great Britain
Return
Activation……
NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION
Bord Gáis become EirGrid become aware CER/DCENR become
aware of potential or of potential or actual aware of potential or
actual gas emergency electricity emergency actual ‘other’ incident
NOTIFICATION
NGEM is notified of the incident
and assesses the impact on gas and
electricity supplies.
DECLARATION DECLARATION
NGEM declares a potential NGEM declares an actual
emergency (Step 1) and Bord Gáis emergency (Step 2) and Bord Gáis
notifies EERT members. notifies EERT members.
ACTIVATION
NGEM activates the NGEP and Task List
established the EERT.
Return
Operation……
INFORMATION
ACTIVATION
Gather information
GERT Established
about the emergency STAND-DOWN
NGEM authorises the
stand-down of GERT
ASSESSMENT YES
Assess options and
develop action plan REVIEW
Further
Action NGEM initiates a
Reqd NO review of the incident
ACTION PLAN
Implement action plan
REPORT
Report on lessons and
amend the NGEP
MONITOR
Assess effectiveness of
the action plan
Task List
Return
Role of the National Gas Emergency Manager……
The National Gas Emergency Manager (NGEM) is

appointed by CER.
The NGEM role is currently filled by Gaslink as system

operator.
The role of the NGEM is;
• The declaration of a Natural Gas Supply Emergency

• The activation of the Gas Emergency Response Team
• To act as Incident Controller leading the Team
• To authorise emergency actions under the Plan
• The declaration of the end of an emergency. Task List
Return
Role of Bord Gais……
The role of Bord Gais is;
• To operate the gas supply network

• To provide the interface with the gas industry
• To provide the interface with PTL and National Grid
• To provide information to the NGEM
• To provide the Support Team for the NGEM
• To issue directions on behalf of the NGEM
Task List
Return
Role of EirGrid……
The role of EirGrid is;
• To operate the electricity supply network

• To provide the interface with the electricity industry
• To provide the interface with SONI and National Grid
• To provide information to the NGEM
Note: EirGrid is responsible for the management of

electricity supply emergencies and has its own
emergency arrangements in place.
Task List
Return
Role of CER……
The role of CER is;
• To provide the interface with Central Government
• To liaise with the Lead Government Department, DECNR
• To liaise with the UK regulators.
• To request emergency powers when appropriate.
Task List
Return
Incident Declaration……
The Incident Declaration Template enables the NGEM to

communicate the following information;
Date and time of the incident,

Description of the incident,
Contact information for the NGEM and
Actions to be taken by the recipients.
Incident updates and further directions would normally be

issued by the NGEM using this template.
Task List
Return
Situation Report (SITREP)……
The Situation Report (SITREP) template will enable all key

information relating to the incident to be gathered, including;
 Incident description (e.g. location and casualties),

 Current situation,
Risk assessment (e.g. worst case scenario),
 Actions being taken and
 Communications (e.g. media response).
The SITREP should be maintained and updated throughout

the emergency.
Task List
Return
Action Plan……
The Action Plan template enables the NGEM to;
 Detail the actions to be taken in response to the emergency,

 Assign owners for the actions,
 Define timescales for completion and
 Monitor progress.
Task List
Return
National Gas Emergency Manager……
The NGEM is responsible for the direction of the response to a gas supply emergency in accordance with the Natural Gas CORE TEAM NGEM
Emergency Plan. Emergency
Control
TASKS
Determine if it is necessary to declare an emergency based on information provided.
Declare an emergency in accordance with the Natural Gas Emergency Plan using the template in Section 10 – Supporting
Procedures.
GERT
Confirm NGEM contact information for all responders involved in the emergency.
Establish the Gas Emergency Response Team confirming membership, location, communications and time/frequency of Bord Gais EirGrid
meetings. Gas Industry Electricity
Industry
In conjunction with the Gas Emergency Response Team develop a Situation Report (SITREP), see Section 10.
Approve the SITREP and agree the circulation list for use by the BGN support team. CER
Government
In conjunction with the Gas Emergency Response Team develop an Action Plan for responding to the emergency, see
Section 10.
Approve the Action Plan and prepare the necessary Directions to responders for the BGN support team to issue.
Through the Gas Emergency Response Team monitor the effectiveness of the Action Plan.
Amend and reissue the SITREP and Action Plan as required during the emergency.
The NGEM may vary the membership and the time/frequency of response team meetings as required during the emergency.
The NGEM will ensure that a log of the emergency is maintained and that all relevant documentation is secured.
Task List

Declare the end of the emergency and make arrangements for a review of the incident and the preparation of a report .
Return
NGEM TASKLIST
Bord Gais Network Representative……
CORE TEAM NGEM
To provide information on the operation of the gas supply network and support Gaslink, the
NGEM and the response team. Emergency
Control
TASKS
Provide information on the emergency to the NGEM including nature of the incident and the
current/projected supply/demand balance.
Ensure that the NGEM emergency declaration is sent to all emergency responders.
GERT
Establish the support team for the Gas Emergency Response Team and provide suitable
meeting and communications facilities. Bord Gais EirGrid
Provide the gas industry input into the development and amendment of the Situation Report Industry
(SITREP).
Following approval by the NGEM ensure that the SITREP is sent to all agreed responders CER
confirming receipt. Government
Provide the gas industry input into the development and amendment of the Action Plan.
Following approval by the NGEM, ensure that all necessary Directions are issued , on behalf of
the NGEM.
Monitor the effectiveness of Action Plan and report to the Gas Emergency Response Team as
appropriate.
At the end of the emergency ensure that the NGEM Declaration is sent to all responders and
stand down the support team.
Provide all relevant information, logs and documents to the NGEM for the post emergency
review and report.
Task List
BORD GAIS TASKLIST

Return
EirGrid Representative……
CORE TEAM NGEM
To provide relevant information and guidance on the operation of the electricity transmission Emergency
system and generation capability in the Republic of Ireland. Control
TASKS
Provide information on the impacts on the electricity industry of the emergency to the NGEM.
Confirm the contact information for the EirGrid Representative and the emergency team.
GERT
Provide the electricity industry input into the development and amendment of the Situation
Report (SITREP). Bord Gais EirGrid
Ensure that all relevant sectors of the electricity industry are briefed on the emergency. Industry
Provide the electricity industry input into the development and amendment of the Action Plan.
CER
Implement any NGEM Directions in accordance with the Gaslink/EirGrid joint procedure, see Government
Section 10.
Manage any required switching to alternative supplies by power generators and/or electricity
demand management.
appropriate.
review and report.
Task List
EIRGRIDTASKLIST
Return
CER Representative……
CORE TEAM NGEM
To provide the interface with the central government response, to access emergency powers and Emergency
to provide guidance on government issues. Control
TASKS
Provide information on the impacts on government of the emergency to the NGEM.
Confirm the contact information for the CER Representative and the emergency team.
GERT
Provide the regulatory input into the development and amendment of the Situation Report
(SITREP). Bord Gais EirGrid
Ensure that all relevant government departments and agencies are briefed on the emergency. Industry
Provide the regulatory input into the development and amendment of the Action Plan.
CER
Implement any NGEM Directions and requests for government powers in accordance with the Government
‘Arrangements for Obtaining Emergency Powers’ below.
appropriate.
review and report.
CER TASKLIST Task List
Return
Support Team……
CORE TEAM NGEM
Emergency
To ensure that the Gas Emergency Response Team has access to all required facilities and to Control
provide guidance to the NGEM on the application of the plan.
The Gas Emergency Response Team – Support Team is provided by BGN and has three key
roles.
Support Manager GERT

-Provide leadership for the support team.
Bord Gais EirGrid
-Ensure that the Response Team has all required office facilities.
-Ensure that the Response Team has all required communications.
Industry
-Provide guidance to the NGEM on the application of the plan.
Information Manager SUPPORT

TEAM CER
Government
-Gather and assess all information from responders.
-Develop and maintain the Situation Report (SITREP).
-Develop and maintain the Action Plan.
-Issue SITREPS and NGEM Directions.
Log Keeper
-Maintain an emergency log recording all relevant information and actions.

-Hold copies of all relevant documentation and Directions,
-Maintain contact information for all Response Team members.
The NGEM may request additional specialist roles in the support team, including;
Legal Representation.
Task List
Press Office Representation.
Technical Representation. Return

Five Steps of a Gas Emergency Response……
Declaration of Potential Emergency
STEP 1 • Seek voluntary maximisation of supplies
• Seek voluntary load reduction
• Interrupt storage injection
Declaration of Actual Emergency

STEP 2 • Formal declaration of an emergency by the NGEM
• Formal request for maximisation of gas supplies
Firm Load Shedding

STEP 3 • Power Generation
• Large Daily Metered Consumers
• Daily Metered Consumers
• Non Daily Metered & Domestic Appeal
Allocation & Isolation
STEP 4 • Allocation of available gas supply
• Isolation of networks as necessary
Task List
Restoration
STEP 5 • Notification of end of emergency
• Progressive restoration of supplies Return
Note: the NGEM can implement restoration at any point in the emergency
NGEP - Transmission……
The NGEP – Transmission describe the detailed

procedure for managing a gas supply emergency in
accordance with the Natural Gas Emergency Plan.
The plan describe the Five Steps of the emergency

response.
Task List
Return
NGEP - Distribution……
The NGEP – Distribution describes how Bord Gais networks will

respond to local and national gas supply emergencies complying
with the directions of the NGEM.
The plan describes the arrangements for the following;
 Firm load shedding of daily and non-daily metered consumers,

 Isolation and restoration of distribution networks and
 The management of priority and vulnerable consumers.
Task List
Return
EirGrid/Bord Gais Emergency Procedure……
The EirGrid/Bord Gais Emergency Procedure describes

the arrangements for communications between the gas
industry and the electricity industry in a gas supply
emergency.
Electricity generation can account for up to 80% of gas

demand in the Republic of Ireland and the procedure
details the process for reducing gas demand by power
stations switching to alternative fuel supplies.
Task List
Return

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Natural Gas Emergency Plan

This package has been designed to take you through the

It will be useful to have a copy of the plan available to refer

When you have completed this training package you will be

• The Role of the National Gas Emergency Manager

• The Role of the Gas Emergency Planning Group

• The Role of the Gas Emergency Response Team

The Aims of the Plan are to;

• Protect the Safety of the General Public

The Purpose of the Plan is to;

NGEP NGEP Task List

Emergency Planning body chaired

Emergency Response body chaired

PART – A Describes the framework for

Describes the arrangements for

PART – C Provides supporting information, Task List

Roles & End

8.0 Operation Next

9.0 Contact Information

10.0 Supporting Procedures

Describes the triggers for declaring a

Describes the arrangements for

Describes the arrangements for the

ACTION PLAN Next

NATIONAL GAS EMERGENCY MANAGER

BORD GAIS NETWORKS REPRESENTATIVE

You have now completed the training package.

If there are uncertain on any points covered in

• The lead government department for gas emergencies is;

• DCENR would normally be contacted by CER in an emergency

• DCENR would provide an interface with the Central Government

• The Natural Gas Emergency Plan details the arrangements for

• The Plan is approved by CER who also appoints the National

• The Plan has three supporting procedures;

The Gas Emergency Planning Group is chaired by Gaslink and

The role of the group is as follows;

Bord Gais EirGrid

Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

 To protect the safety of the general public,

Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

 Appointment of the NGEM,

Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

The NGEP is prepare by Gaslink and is approved by

The NGEM is appointed by the NGEM and this role is

Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

Describes the framework in place for the management

 Gas Emergency Planning Group and

Section A provides the background to the NGEP and

5.Roles & Responsibilities

Describes the roles and responsibilities of all gas

Section B contains operational information and would be used

 Gas supply emergency,

Section B contains operational information and would be used

This section describes the following arrangements;

This section also describes the structure of the

Section B contains operational information and would be used

This section describes operation of the Gas

Section C contains the supporting information and

In part 10 this includes;

 Role Guidance Notes,

Part 11 describes the capability requirements for the NGEM.

Part 12 describes the arrangements for updating the NGEP.

• National or local gas supply deficit