ISG Blog October 2026
The Independent Stakeholder Group met online on 5 October, with the discussion focused on early GD3 performance, customer outcomes, vulnerability, winter preparedness and how NGN compares with the other gas networks.
NGN provided an update on the CMA appeal and wider policy developments. The ISG continued to challenge the evidence behind the 1% ongoing efficiency debate and what any further efficiency requirement could mean for customers and delivery.
We also reviewed NGN’s developing GD3 performance dashboard and its final RIIO-GD2 comparative performance. NGN performed strongly during GD2, including £90.6 million Totex outperformance and the lowest reported Tier 1 mains replacement unit cost across the gas networks. Our challenge was to understand what genuinely sits behind those figures, including productivity, workload, asset mix and delivery approach, rather than treating underspend alone as evidence of efficiency.
A recurring theme was the need for NGN to tell the story behind the data. The ISG wants to understand what has changed, why it has changed, what it means for customers and where action is needed, rather than work through large dashboards line by line.
We received an update on the new Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Initiatives arrangements. NGN currently has 56 live VCMA projects, with the new national framework placing greater emphasis on outcomes, additionality and shared learning. The ISG will continue to test whether reporting demonstrates real customer benefit rather than simply activity or expenditure.
Winter preparedness was another useful session. NGN explained its severe-weather procedures, monitoring arrangements and Bronze, Silver and Gold command structure. We particularly challenged how vulnerability identified during an incident is followed up afterwards, so that useful information about customers is not lost once the immediate emergency has ended.
Finally, we reviewed the introduction of new Customer Liaison Officers across NGN’s delivery partners. The aim is to improve communication before, during and after planned works. The ISG welcomed the early progress but will want to see evidence that the approach is improving the experience of customers in practice.
The next ISG meeting is in December, with further work planned on environmental performance, customer engagement and delivery during GD3.