Gemini Sustain Plus
On this page, we’re sharing information, useful material and regular updates on the Gemini Sustain Plus programme.
What is Gemini Sustain Plus?
National Gas Transmission, in partnership with Xoserve and Correla, is undertaking a programme of work to significantly modernise and enhance the Gemini Platform under XRN 5564.
The Gemini Sustain Plus programme will be delivered over a two-year period.
The target delivery is currently planned for September 2024.
Gemini will continue to provide Capacity and Balancing services, while also delivering system compliance against new Uniform Network Code (UNC) modifications. This will enable change more efficiently, while also driving an improved customer experience.
These activities will include:
- Converting all current Gemini functionality and code into modern (Java microservices) code
- Delivering new and existing functional requirements, and new non-functional requirements
- Consolidating and redesigning the Gemini user interface screens
- Implementing Azure cloud infrastructure components (including replacing the current Oracle database)
- Improvements to the support service arrangement to respond better to incidents and change (in-line with new service levels and KPIs)
Connectivity and Onboarding - 1 April to 31 May 2024
The Connectivity phase of the programme will support the industry to connect to both the Market Trials and the upgraded Gemini Production system. Ahead of this period we will share the IPs and URLs needed to allow connectivity.
During this period, technical surgeries will be available for organisations to book onto.
During the Onboarding period we'll generate the Gemini user IDs for both the Market Trials and the upgraded Gemini production system. Upon successful completion of connectivity to the environment and onboarding, users will view a read-only home log-in page, this will ensure Gemini users will be ready for both Market Trials phase and go-live.
Market trials - 3 June to 19 July 2024
This seven week period will allow market trials participants to trial a set of key processes (supported by dummy data) to familiarise themselves with the new look and feel of the upgraded Gemini application.
It will also provide an opportunity to view any changes that may be introduced, as well as to navigate any other screens that have been fully developed but are not supported by data.
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Onboarding update
As part of the onboarding phase of Gemini Sustain Plus, you'll receive an email invitation from Microsoft on behalf of National Gas Gemini inviting you to access the Gemini application.
This is not a phishing email and will be in the language that your system is set up in.
Please accept the invitation and follow the instructions to activate the account.
Read or download an example of this email below.
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We're now connecting and onboarding you to the new environments
We're ensuring all Gemini users are able to connect to the new Gemini Sustain Plus environments and activate their individual account profiles.
This phase is mandatory for all Gemini users.
If you don't participate in this stage, you'll be unable to carry out any Gemini processes when the new system launches.
Please follow these steps:
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We need all Gemini users to confirm that you're able to connect to the new Gemini Sustain Plus production environment*. This site is still under development. When you view the site, you'll see the image we've shared on the right. Please use the following link to connect to the 'to be' production environment. Once you've successfully connected, please complete this short confirmation form. Connectivity confirmation form.
*We know some users access Gemini through APIs. We'll share the relevant API details in further phases of this project. |
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If you're registered for market trials, we also need you to ensure you can connect to our market trials environment. When you view the site, you'll see the image we've shared on the right. You won't be able to log in at this stage. We just need to ensure you're able to connect to the site. Please use the following link to connect to the market trials environment. |
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By the end of May, all Gemini users will have received an email from Microsoft on behalf of National Gas Gemini, inviting you to access the Gemini application.
This is not a phishing email and will be in the language that your system is set up in.
Please accept the invitation and follow the instructions to activate the account.
Read or download an example of this email below.
Once you accept the invite, you'll need to follow some short instructions to set up your account.
When you've successfully completed these steps (having previously connected to the market trials environment), you'll see:
- a landing page displaying a 404 error - this is normal and shown while the site is still in development
- your new account ID, which will be visible on the top right of your screen
We have created a short demo video where you can see the above steps being undertaken.
Need help with any of these steps?
Issues accessing the new environments
These new environments are published using the Azure Front Door network.
If you can't connect to the new environments, you may need to whitelist the IP addresses for Microsoft Azure services.
Visit the Microsoft website to view the set of IPs for whitelisting.
Join our technical surgeries
We're also hosting technical surgeries to support you during the connectivity and onboarding phases.
Customer focus groups schedule
View the dates, times and access material for our customer focus groups below:
| Date | Time | More information |
| 22 April 2024 | 1pm - 2pm | See calendar entry |
| Date | Time | Meeting information |
| 25 September 2023 | 1pm - 3pm | |
| 20 November 2023 | 1pm - 3pm | |
| 22 January 2024 | 1pm - 3pm | |
| 18 March 2024 | 1pm - 3pm | |
| 22 April 2024 | 1pm - 2:30pm |
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Common queries
Gemini Sustain Plus is intended to have no impact to the existing Gemini incoming and outgoing interfaces to the Industry. Some new API interfaces will be made available for use.
Opportunity for training will be provided in 2024 (dates to TBC). It is essential for all companies that use Gemini to participate.
There will be some functional changes which are in response to pain points raised by customers. i.e. the look and feel of the system, as well as bringing together Entry and Exit Capacity.
Updates will be given to the DSC Change Management Committee (ChMC), the Transmission Workgroup and updates will be published on our dedicated Gemini Sustain Plus webpage.
No, after implementation of the Sustain Plus programme Citrix will no longer be required to access Gemini. Portal access will be available using a web browser over an internet connection.
No, a new identity management solution is being implemented as part of Gemini Sustain Plus – this will require the creation of new access credentials for all system users.
The existing Gemini API functionality will continue, but there will be changes to the connectivity and user credentials. Any changes to the technical specifications will be published to the industry.
There will be additional download functionality (xml) incorporated into the new system design.
No, there won't be any parallel system operation, but there will be an on-boarding period which will include Market Trials. This will allow users to test connectivity, access the updated user interface and new functionality. Training will be available in advance of go-live.
The Gemini ‘Change Freeze’ period is aligned to the Implementation Dress Rehearsal phase of the Gemini Sustain Plus programme. This ensures there is a confirmed code base on which to undertake the dress rehearsal activities. It also helps mitigate the risk of inefficient spend.
If the Sustain Plus implementation date changes, the change freeze will be realigned to the updated implementation dress rehearsal period.
Information on this change would be provided at all standard industry forums, along with bespoke programme communications for maximum transparency.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or queries about Gemini Sustain Plus, please email us at geminiengagement@correla.com.
Our support teams are available during business days from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Need help?
We're hosting technical surgeries to support you during the connectivity and onboarding phases.
Register for market trials
Don't miss the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the updated system before it launches.
Registration for market trials closes after 13 May 2024.
Focus groups
National Gas have launched a series of Gemini Sustain Plus focus groups.
The next session will be on Microsoft Teams on 22 April 2024.
If you wish to attend and haven’t received the Teams invite please email us.