Study into Fort gas network to begin
Research has revealed that 68 per cent of residents are in favour of a mains gas supply being installed in Fort William, triggering a feasibility study to assess ways in which gas can be brought to the town.
An independent market research report was commissioned by gas distribution company SGN to survey more than 600 people and businesses to understand their views and appetite for a gas supply in the town. The exploratory study, which involved in-depth interviews, surveys and discussion groups, was conducted between April and July 2018.
While the majority of respondents welcomed the idea of a mains gas supply, 20 per cent of locals said they were against the idea and 12 per cent said they were not sure if they support the provision.
SGN’s head of network distribution Andrew Gibson welcomed the initial results of the research. He said: ‘We’re happy the people of Fort William are broadly in favour of bringing mains gas to the area which would introduce energy choices for residents and businesses and provide an opportunity to work with partners to address fuel poverty issues.’
The findings from the study have triggered the next phase of research which is a large-scale feasibility study to understand options of bringing gas to Fort William, and further public consultations. The feasibility study will be complete by summer 2019.
Kim Davis, managing director at Explain Market Research, which conducted the research, said: ‘We were delighted to support SGN in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on the project. The results, which showed two thirds of Fort William residents were in favour of mains gas, means there is the opportunity to understand in more detail how to introduce energy choices for the residents and businesses in the town and provide wider opportunities for community-focused engagement plans on energy in the future.’
The timing of the study was driven by the future opening of a new manufacturing plant, Liberty British Aluminium, in the Fort William area.
A number of perceived benefits from a mains gas supply were raised during the research which included improved choice of energy supply and provider, reduced energy costs and greater value for money. The topic of improved reliability and greater efficiency was also raised among participants which covered the elimination of fuel shortage and supply issues, minimising business costs and improving competitiveness along with improved heating and cooking systems for domestic customers.
As this was an exploratory study, no decision has yet been made as to whether a mains gas network will be installed in Fort William.