National Grid announces weather forecasting deal with MeteoGroup

National Grid has awarded a long term contract for UK Gas weather forecasting to MeteoGroup, Europe's largest private weather forecasting business. The service will start on March 28th this year and will provide National Grid with up to the minute forecasts, a 24/7 telephone advisory service, training, and a commitment to develop and innovate through the contract term.

The UK's largest utility require market leading accuracy and total reliability for their role in providing the information to the energy market. This is necessary so that the industry can make the right decisions to ensure gas supplies meet demand. The decision to award MeteoGroup this contract follows a comprehensive tender process during which forecast accuracy was closely scrutinised.

A Spokesman for National Grid said, "Throughout tender negotiations for this contract, MeteoGroup has been able to demonstrate considerable ability in terms of forecast accuracy, reliability and product innovation".

Andy Giles, MeteoGroup UK Managing Director said: "We are delighted to win such a prestigious contract with National Grid. The award is indicative of our commitment to work with our clients to provide the very highest levels of service available today. It also reflects the quality of our weather information services and the investment and innovations we have made in forecasting technology over the years."

ENDS.

Notes to Editors

MeteoGroup is Europe’s leading private sector weather business with forecasting offices in five European countries and customers worldwide.

It is a full-service weather business providing tailored products to consumer, media and professional markets. Founded in 1986, the company has an unrivalled reputation for quality and innovation in weather forecasting. 

Expert meteorologists provide forecasts, support, monitoring and consultancy services 24 hours day, 365 days a year. In addition, a dedicated weather modelling team are continuously developing MeteoGroup’s in-house systems and forecasting techniques.

MeteoGroup is owned by PA Group, an international group of customer-focused news, information and communications businesses. PA Group companies include The Press Association, the national news agency of the UK and Ireland.

MeteoGroup is headquartered in the Netherlands and has offices in Belgium Germany, Spain and the UK as well as a sister company in the USA and sales networks throughout Europe and Asia.