259994 Phoenix Energy Responsible Business Report 2025.pdf

Category Risks

Timeframe

Opportunities Timeframe

Our Response

Transition (Market)

Reduction in interest levels towards natural gas from the unconnected customer base impacting future connection growth, whilst debate about future energy strategy is ongoing. Increases in home energy efficiencies reduces demand for natural gas.

Short-term (<10 years) / Medium-term (10 – 20 years)

Potential for Phoenix to expand our service offering in the net zero solution - e.g. installation of heat pumps / hybrid heat pumps, energy efficiency solutions etc.

Short-term (<10 years) / Medium-term (10 – 20 years)

Phoenix continues to enhance the green credentials of the gas network in heating through the utilisation of natural gas as the least polluting fossil fuel. Also, in doing so provides a vehicle to facilitate a route towards net zero in the long-term using renewable gases. Phoenix actively engages with end user groups to promote the gas industry pathway and provide a platform for consumer groups to be involved in shaping future energy system direction. As an active primary bidder to the NI Sustainable Energy Programme Phoenix are increasingly responsible for the delivery of consumer energy efficiency enhancements (to include thermal efficiency enhancements and heat pump installations outside of gas live areas). The majority of Phoenix's network is constructed utilising polyethylene pipe which is less susceptible to corrosion and will continue to function if submerged. The majority of Phoenix gas network assets are located underground. However, where applicable anti-flooding technologies, that enhances the resilience of network assets when faced with severe weather events, have been installed. In highest risk areas, Phoenix is in the process of enhancing weather resistant technologies and exploring above ground installations, where appropriate.

Physical (Acute)

Increased frequency of

Short-term (<10 years) / Medium-term (10 – 20 years)

Potential for additional investment to incorporate anti-flooding /resilience technologies at critical network assets.

Short-term (<10 years) / Medium-term (10 – 20 years)

extreme weather events impacting the ongoing maintenance and safe operation of the gas network.

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