Successful outcome of the EDA THESS evening conference on
“Natural Gas Distribution and Network Operation”
29.11.2018
Rather successful was the evening conference organized by EDA THESS on Thursday, November 29th 2018, on “Natural Gas Distribution and Network Operation” held in order to inform the technical operators and Distribution Users on issues concerning the gas market regulatory framework. The event was honored with the presence of Distribution Users, indoor installers – engineers, as well as technical associations and chambers representatives.
Mr. L. Bakouras, EDA THESS General Manager, in his opening speech referred to the Company results until 2018, during which investments of € 540m were made in Distribution Networks with the construction of 2,323 km network. He also underlined that, according to the 2019-2023 Development Plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors, a total investment of € 93.5m is provided for the Distribution Network expansion and Development of Infrastructure. As pointed out, investments are planned on technical and economic criteria towards cost-effectiveness to the Company, Distributors and Consumers benefit.
He added that EDA THESS is characterized by Organization, Planning, Innovation and Consistency, which is contributed by the excellent Organizational Structure and the technically adequate staff of the Company. At the same time, he stressed that EDA THESS strategic planning is based on due regard for legislation, licensing and regulatory framework. In addition, the main concern of the Company is the network safety and observance of the Distribution Networks Annual Maintenance Schedule, in compliance with the Technical Regulations.
Finally, he thanked the shareholders for their support, as well as the RAE Chairman and Plenum establishing the Regulatory Framework for the Gas Distribution and Network Operators, as well as for the Distribution and Distribution Network Operation Licenses, which are to be shortly issued.
Then, Mr. N. Fontaras, RAE representative and an executive of the Gas Networks Unit came to the floor. He described the “year 2018 as the landmark for gas market opening” since 57 companies, as he said, have already been registered in the users’ registry of GNSR (Gas National System Registry) thus, establishing full liberalization of gas market. He then referred to the regulation of gas distribution activity and organization of the distribution system operator, while he detailed the competences and rules laid down in the regulatory framework. “Our goal”, he concluded, “is, in 2019, to continue the cooperation of RAE with operators and distribution users towards the regulatory framework integration – processing”.
Then, Ms. A. Stachtari, Manager of Corporate Affairs, elaborated on issues concerning the Company Compliance with the current legislative and regulatory framework for the EDA THESS Operational Independence, underlying the principles of equal treatment and equal access to Information for both Distribution Users and End Customers. At the same time, she referred to the organizational and technical measures already and about to be taken by the Company for its harmonization with the requirements of the GDPR. Finally, she pointed out that the Company had established communication channels for reporting on the deviation from the Principles of Operational Independence and the provisions of the Distribution Network Operational Code.
Mr. M. Stergiopoulos, Network Development and New Connections Manager, presented the program for the supply of Thessaloniki and Thessaly regions as well as the network expansion data of the 2019-2023 business plan. He also referred to the gas connection process and stressed that the Distribution Network expansion is performed on the basis of connection requests and in compliance with the Distribution Code. He also presented the plan for the CNG supply of remote areas.
Mr. P. Rizos, Network Access and Information Systems Manager, presented the Gas Connection Contract and access to the Distribution Networks for the provision of the Distribution Services. In addition, the structure and the way of communication between the Operator and the Distribution Users through the EDA THESS Electronic Information Exchange System, has been presented, focusing on continuous information and efficient provision of services, aiming at the End Gas Customers’ smooth handling and updating.
Mr. A. Liolios, Manager of Strategic Planning and Regulatory Affairs, presented information on Indoor Gas Installations, focusing on their safety and regular maintenance, in compliance with the Technical Regulations, indicating the measures and procedures applied by the Company for the safe operation of the Indoor Installations. He underlined the necessity for regular maintenance of the appliances, as well as the pipeline tightness control, every 4 years, undertaken by the Consumer in cooperation with licensed technical staff. In addition, interesting facts and benefits of the Extranet electronic platform, implemented by the Company for the electronic management of the indoor installation files, were presented.
There was a constructive dialogue with the attendees, during which detailed explanations were given by the EDA THESS representatives on issues related to indoor gas installations, distribution activity and, in particular, CNG technology.
GAS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
THESSALONIKI – THESSALIA SA
