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Wales & West Utilities Helen Fitzgerald has taken up the Chair position of the IGEM (Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers) Wales section and is pledging to use her position to support the ongoing development of the gas industry and the career opportunities it offers.
Helen, who has worked in the gas industry for 18 years and is a long time IGEM committee member, is actively involved in the Wales section. She aims to use her Chair position to grow the membership of the Wales section, whilst promoting the many career opportunities the gas industry offers through a calendar of events.
Helen Fitzgerald (right) with previous IGEM Wales Chair Andrew Hayes
Helen has been working as a Physical Strategy Manager in the System Operations Team at Wales & West Utilities for the last nine years. She is a Chartered Gas Engineer and her role involves a mix of network planning, support to the control room with mechanical activities on the local transmission system and gas futures. 
Helen, 39, is married with twins and lives in Cardiff. She said:
"I am delighted to take up this position after being involved with IGEM for a number of years. I am hoping to raise IGEM Wales’ profile through technical visits and events and I want to use my role to continue to collaborate with other members to share best practice and promote the gas industry as a great place to work.
“With the future of energy regularly on the news agenda, I’m determined to make the case on the essential role gas and gas networks have to play in delivering an energy system that is affordable, secure, reliable and green. From acting as an energy battery supporting wind and solar power to heating homes – gas has an exciting – and essential future.”
IGEM is a chartered professional body, licensed by the Engineering Council, serving a wide range of professionals in the UK and the international gas industry through Membership, events and a comprehensive set of Technical Standards.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves Wales and the south west of England, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.
