Cheltenham gas leak 'another example of dire state of the energy sector', Green Party claims
The amount leaked could have powered 7,500 homes for a year
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
The major gas leak in Cheltenham which was spotted from space is another example of the dire state of the UK’s energy sector, according to the town’s Green Party.
The leak of extremely potent greenhouse gas methane which occurred over a three-month period at a gas main operated by Wales and West Utilities was seen by satellite.
The amount leaked could have powered 7,500 homes for a year and was detected by University of Leeds in March with the help of specialist satellites.
This was reported by the BBC earlier this month but Green Party representatives in the town say such events could be avoided if energy firms prioritised repairs and maintenance ahead of paying their shareholders dividends.
Daniel Wilson, the Green Party’s parliamentary candidate for Cheltenham, said the methane leak is just another example of the dire state of the UK energy sector.
“The people of Cheltenham pay ever higher energy bills just to see failures like this happen in our area.
“Such events could be avoided if repairs were conducted before energy company shareholders were paid dividends. Why are those companies not being forced to invest in the supply infrastructure?
“This in turn would create jobs and stop events like this being repeated. It is time to consider, as the Green Party proposes, renationalising our utilities.”
A Wales and West Utilities spokesman said the firm is proud to be delivering high standards of service, reliability and safety to the 7.5 million customers we serve.
“We are driven by quality and safety improvements, and since 2002 have committed to investing in a 30 year programme to upgrade old metal pipes at a cost of £1.4 million every week which so far has removed 3 million tonnes of carbon (equivalent to taking over a million cars off the road).
“With over 35,000 kilometres of pipes, our mains replacement programme is a significant undertaking but it is necessary to sustain and improve the integrity of the network and to prepare for the future delivery of greener alternatives to natural gas including biomethane and hydrogen.
“Our investment in infrastructure provides technical and highly skills job opportunities and our plans for the future of energy aim to both save and create jobs across Wales and South West of England to reach net zero targets by 2050.”