Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has become the first utility company to join the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG).

Cadent operates four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks – North West, West Midlands, East and North London, which includes more than 80,000 miles of pipes, most of them underground, which transport
gas to 11 million customers.

Steve Fraser, Chief Executive of Cadent, said: “We’re delighted to be the first utility member of LCRIG and hope we’re the first of many. As the UK’s biggest gas distributor, we manage a huge network of over 80,000 miles of gas mains and most of them run under the nation’s roads, across a wide area, from the Lake District to London. It’s great that we can bring our experience and expertise to LCRIG.

“It’s great too that we join a community that’s clearly keen to reap the many benefits of collaboration, through us finding innovative, cost-efficient ways to keep our highways in excellent condition as well as the essential utilities
that run beneath them.”

Will Britain, President of LCRIG, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Cadent have come on board as our first utility member and hope they will be the first of many. Our sector must work closely with utilities to ensure that there is the least possible disruption to customers when
digging up roads. There needs to be more of a focus on the sharing of innovative technologies and solutions across both industries. We welcome Cadent into the LCRIG family and look forward to working with them in a
collaborative way.”