Sometimes the need is for immediate action. Sometimes, it’s worth taking a while. This month Ofgem took soundings on whether National Grid should be able to tap customers for cash to replace the “Feeder 9” pipe. It’s clear that the pipe is vital to maintain gas supplies in the northeast and beyond that, equally important for imports and even for maintaining our relationship with Norway, our major supplier. New Power’s story about the consultation on a replacement drew comments saying that it should definitely go ahead.