PRESS RELEASE
INFO DAY ON THE EXPANSION OF THE NATURAL GAS NETWORK IN LAGKADAS
On Sunday 30 April 2017, an open info day was organized for citizens in the Municipal Community of Lagkadas regarding the natural gas network expansion, the connection process and the benefits associated with the use of natural gas. The event took place in the Town Council hall, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of the Environment & Energy, Mr. Sokratis Famellos.
The event was organized by the Municipality of Lagkadas, and was attended by the Mayor of Lagkadas Mr. Giannis Karagiannis and members of the Town Council. The Gas Distribution Company Thessaloniki-Thessalia (EDA THESS) was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Venetios Bouras, the General Manager Mr. Leonidas Bakouras and the Manager of Development & New Connections Mr. Michalis Stergiopoulos.
The Deputy Minister of the Environment & Energy Mr. Sokratis Famellos underlined that the development of the natural gas Network in widespread areas of the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki and the Region of Thessaly will enable the supply of gas to residents of new remote areas. He also stressed that this project plays a decisive role in the multiple development of the areas, given that natural gas is an alternative, environment-friendly and highly efficient source of energy, with a lower cost compared to other competitive sources of energy.
Mr. Famellos added that the reduction of the excise duty on natural gas, the passage of international natural gas pipes (TAP, EastMed, IGB), and the development of the internal competition in the market will lead to further benefits for consumers. With regard to the establishment of the regulatory framework for the supply of installations with compressed natural gas (CNG), Mr. Famellos added that the Ministry has set up an ad hoc committee and the Regulation is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The Mayor of Lagkadas Mr. Giannis Karagiannis thanked Mr. Famellos for his contribution and stressed that the presence of the Deputy Minister and of executives from EDA THESS confirms the launch of the natural gas network expansion in Lagkadas in the current year. He said that "It is a strong motive for citizens and professionals", and added that with the successful cooperation between the Municipality of Lagkadas and EDA THESS the natural gas network development will continue in the neighborouring areas". Mr. Karagiannis added that the site for the installation of the decompression and distribution station will be conceded to EDA THESS in the coming days upon decision of the Town Council of Lagkadas Municipality.
The Chairman of the Board of EDA THESS Mr. Venetios Bouras talked about the mutual cooperation and trust that has lead to the achievement of the goals of the Gas Distribution Company Thessaloniki-Thessalia. Mr. Bouras commented that the main pivots are: the effective cooperation between the Shareholders and the unanimous decisions made by the Company's Board of Directors for the implementation of the Development Programme of EDA THESS; the actions taken by the Government and the competent Ministry for establishing an appropriate Regulatory framework; the cooperation between EDA THESS and the local Authorities; and the prompt response of consumers who enjoy the benefits from the use of natural gas.
The General Manager of the Gas Distribution Company Thessaloniki-Thessalia (EDA THESS) Mr. Leonidas Bakouras commented on the successful cooperation between the company and the authorities, and gave details about the steady course of the company's investments in the previous years, as well as the implementation of the company's Development Programme in the areas of Thessaloniki and Thessaly.
Mr. Bakouras added that the connection of Lagkadas to the natural gas network will be the first connection with compressed natural gas in the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki, with the aim to serve as many citizens as possible until the beginning of the next heating season. Due to the long distance between the existing pipeline and Lagkadas town, connection will be at first with compressed natural gas. In this regard, the Regulatory framework will be soon finalized by the Ministry and then, until the beginning of the next heating season, we are expecting the determination of the regulatory framework for consumer tariffs.
The Manager of Development & New Connections of EDA THESS Mr. Michalis Stergiopoulos mentioned that the promotion of "100% OFF CONNECTION FEES" is still running for all new consumers who will sign a Connection Contract for the natural gas network and for all types of consumption (Household, Commercial, Small Craft-Industrial, Public-Municipal buildings). Then, he referred to the connection process and underlined that the study for the basic planning of Lagkadas Distribution Network will be completed in the immediate future and that the network will grow according to the registered expressions of interest by citizens.
Then, Mr. Stergiopoulos stressed that EDA THESS is responsible for the construction, maintenance, operation and management of the Natural Gas Distribution Network up to the meter. The Natural Gas Network is being constructed according to the highest and strictest standards, in line with the regulation and the legislation, and installations meet all safety requirements. Internal installations are being constructed according to the Technical Regulation and consumers should contact licensed installation technicians.
The event was concluded with an open discussion with citizens and local licensed technicians who attended the info day. The representatives of EDA THESS provided detailed clarifications on all issues relating to the citizens' connection to the network and the safe use of natural gas.
GAS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
THESSALONIKI-THESSALIA S.A.
