I know this is an old thread. But we got a bill for £450 when we hit one a few weeks back - 220mm down directly under a stump..
The site had been cat scanned and there was no indication on the pavement. When we queried the bill this was the response:
We acknowledge receipt of your email dated 8th June 2015 and would like to advise you of the following:
Each service pipe is designed and installed to carry natural gas safely, and in such a way that it is least likely to be subject to accidental damage. In this case, the pipe was damaged because the level of protection has been reduced possibly as a result of work (e.g. landscaping, construction of driveway). Or soil erosion over time. Please note that National Grid or its agents would originally lay gas pipe work at a recommended depth where ever possible, however surface levels can alter and it should be anticipated that the underground plant may be encountered during any groundwork. Please be advised that there is no statutory requirement under Health and Safety Guidelines to lay warning tape above the pipe.
The depth of the pipe can vary for several reasons, such as location of other utilities plant which must be avoided, method used to lay the service, vicinity to main or meter-box or soil erosion over time. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
We must advise that under the Health and Safety Guidelines there is no statutory requirement for a minimum depth when gas services are being laid, the depths are only a guide and pipes can be found at shallower depth. Contractors working on site should not rely on depth when carrying out work near gas services.
We appreciate that you had taken precautions before commencing your work; however we would like to advise you that the use of CAT scans will not reveal the position of most modern polyethylene services, and accordingly they should be located using safe hand digging practices.
Please note that the decision to raise an invoice for a damage call out is not made by the engineers but by the local network once the completed paperwork has been reviewed, and we have no record of any decision but the one made to invoice you for the repair costs.
Please be advised that where National Grid are required to attend an emergency call out to repair a damaged pipe, the costs will almost always be chargeable to the person responsible for that damage.
We do accept that our gas pipes are not intentionally damaged, please be advised that HSE expects contractors to meet their obligation to prevent damage to gas main/service which includes carrying out test hole during all significant excavation activities. This term is not National Grid specific and is used by all utility, groundwork and landscaping practitioners, however please note that it is still your sole responsibility to establish and verify position and route of all underground apparatus prior to your work and also to ensure that no utility services will be damaged during your work. As damage occurred to our plant we are entitled to recover remuneration of all associated costs.
In light of the above please be advised that this invoice remains payable.
National Grid:sneaky2: