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Potential threat to gas supplies averted

EU grants exemption over 15 per cent reduction in consumption

A potential threat to the Island's gas supplies has been averted.

Its after the European Union granted Ireland an exemption from EU plans that require member states to make mandatory 15 per cent reductions in gas consumption.

The UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man are interconnected by a series of five subsea and overland gas pipes.

The Island takes its feed from Interconnector number two - just 11 miles off the west coast.

Manx Utilities continuously monitors gas supply concerns for the coming winter across Europe, the UK and the interconnectors to Ireland.

While there are concerns about supply shortages across Europe emergency procedures are in place across gas transmission systems to manage restrictions to supplies whatever the cause.

Supplies to domestic consumers are the last to be considered for demand reduction. 

Power generation for the Isle of Man is also viewed as essential and retains significant importance within the emergency procedures that would be implemented by Gas Networks Ireland.

Manx Utilities is in regular contact with gas transporters in the UK, and Ireland, and says any significant change to the ongoing position would be acted upon.

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