Three gas companies penalised £8m for failing to attend emergencies on time

THREE gas companies have been penalised £8million for failing to attend emergencies on time, potentially leaving customers at risk.

Southern Gas Networks will pay £5.8million, Cadent £1.5million and Scotland Gas Networks £700,000.

Companies maintain the gas network and must attend reports of any suspected leaks within one or two hours, depending on the circumstances.

They must arrive in one hour for uncontrolled gas escapes and two hours for controlled leaks in at least 97 per cent of cases.