Welsh Section

IGEM has a network of Sections that enhances membership by offering a local perspective and enabling involvement with issues in and around the gas industry. The Sections are run by volunteers who organise a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events and networking opportunities.

Each Section has its own Chair and Secretary to deal with any queries you may have within your area.

The Section Committee

Thomas James, Welsh Section Chair

Thomas has been working at Wales & West Utilities Ltd since 2005. During this time, he has worked in a number of different business areas and currently works in the Asset Management and HS&E department. He joined IGEM in 2012, starting the process to achieve Chartered status in 2014, and completed the Technical Report requirement in 2015. Thomas achieved Chartered Engineer status in 2016, a major milestone in his career. He has been a member of the IGEM Young Person's Network (YPN) since 2016, which provides useful information and networking opportunity in the gas industry.

"During my year as Chair of the Welsh Section I am looking to continue with the success of the events run over the previous year with a variety of technical, membership and social events."

Morgan James, Welsh Section Senior Vice Chair

Morgan joined Wales & West Utilities in August 2012, after graduating from Swansea University with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He initially enrolled on the Graduate Scheme, a two-year structured programme, before moving into a more substantive role as an Asset Officer within Asset Integrity. His current role is an Asset Manager and is responsible for high pressure pipelines, pressure management and high pressure storage. Morgan is currently working towards Chartered Engineer status and is planning on applying in 2018.

Steve Edwards, Welsh Section Treasurer

Steve joined the gas industry in 1992 as a Finance Graduate and now has 23 years' experience in the sector. He has been closely involved in the Ofgem review of the RPI-X, resulting in the "RIIO" form of regulation. He led the first "RIIO" business plan submission for Wales & West Utilities resulting in an agreed settlement with Ofgem for the next 8 years. As a member of the ENA Gas Futures Group, Steven has helped shape a number of contributions as the group continues to make future energy policy. Steven is also a Board Member of Energy Networks Association and in 2011 gave evidence on behalf of Energy Networks Association to the Energy Select Committee on the future role for gas in the UK. Energy is also a key issue for the devolved nations and Steven is a member of the Welsh Government Energy and Advisory Panel.