Mackle Petfoods first to sign on for natural gas in west

Firmus energy has announced its first customer in a £2 million investment to bring natural gas to Co Tyrone with the connection of Mackle Petfoods in Moy.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2016, 18:24 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2016, 18:30 BST
Mackle Petfoods managing director John Mackle, left, with Michael Scott, MD, firmus energy, Eric Cosgrove, firmus director of engineering and Utility Regulator chief executive Jenny PyperMackle Petfoods managing director John Mackle, left, with Michael Scott, MD, firmus energy, Eric Cosgrove, firmus director of engineering and Utility Regulator chief executive Jenny Pyper
Mackle Petfoods managing director John Mackle, left, with Michael Scott, MD, firmus energy, Eric Cosgrove, firmus director of engineering and Utility Regulator chief executive Jenny Pyper

The landmark connection followed the approval of a licence extension by the Utility Regulator last year.

This has allowed firmus to bring a choice of fuel and the benefits of natural gas to around 1500 homes and businesses in Moy, Benburb, Blackwatertown, Loughgall and Charlemont areas.

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firmus energy’s network already brings natural gas to more than 30 towns and cities across Northern Ireland and, to date, around 28,000 customers in the new gas towns are already enjoying the advantages that it provides. In addition, the company has a further 50,000 customers in the greater Belfast area.

“We have invested more than £100m in the gas infrastructure across Northern Ireland with a further £80m earmarked for the ongoing roll-out of the gas distribution networks in our licensed area between 2017-2022,” said firmus MD Michael Scott.

Mackle Petfood managing director John Mackle said: “We were keen to change to natural gas as we recognised that it would be a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to power our operations.

“We believe in putting the best into our pet foods and that includes being responsible about the environment. Greener fuel is very important to us and by switching to natural gas, we will be able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and cut emissions by approximately 800 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking around 270 family cars off the road.”

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Due to the increasing popularity of the fuel, firmus energy has already been granted nine extensions for areas outside the original licensed locations, including Ballyclare, Portstewart, Bessbrook and Bushmills.

Jenny Pyper, Utility Regulator chief executive said: “One of the Utility Regulator’s main roles is to promote the development and maintenance of an efficient, economic and coordinated gas industry in Northern Ireland. Natural gas provides an affordable, cleaner and convenient form of energy and this is a further vote of confidence in the natural gas industry.

“We welcome firmus energy’s extension to Moy and the benefits that natural gas will bring to businesses, including Mackle Petfoods, and households in the local area.

“Since the beginning of last year alone we have approved £62m of investment to extend the natural gas network. This investment will benefit over 30,000 domestic and small business customers and demonstrates the continuing demand for natural gas.”

Related topics:Northern Ireland