PRESS RELEASE
Supply ceremony of the expansion of the natural gas distribution network
in Nea Mesimvria, Municipality of Chalkidona
After Trilofos, Plagiari, Filiro, Exochi and Chortiatis, another area of the urban area of Thessaloniki uses natural gas. Nea Mesimvria of the Municipality of Chalkidon, where on Friday 29/12/2017 the supply ceremony of the expansion of natural gas network and the activation of the first consumers’ meters who already enjoy its benefits, took place.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Socratis Famelos, the host, Mayor of Chalkidona Mr. Ioannis Tsouknidas, the President of the Board of Directors Mr. Venetis Bouras , EDA THESS’ General Manager Mr. Leonidas Bakouras, members of RAE Plenary, Ms. Nektaria Karakatsani and Mr. Apostolos Gotsias, the members of parliament of B’ Thessaloniki area, Mr. Georgios Lazaridis, the energy commisioner of ANEL. Mr. George Arvanitidis, the energy commander of the Democratic Counterparty, and the Deputy Regional Governor of Development and Environment of Central Macedonia, Mr. Konstantinos Gioutikas.
During the speeches, the fact that at Nea Messimvria ceremony almost all the political forces of the country were represented, as "the gas unites", was characterized as positive, while "it does not discriminate" and it was emphasized that two targets set by the company for 2017 were implemented: the first was the establishment of EDATHESS which is responsible for the distribution in the area of its license and the second the safe expansion of the natural gas network in the region of Thessaloniki. During the ceremony in Nea Mesimvria, was noted, that the 2017 program was completed and also referenced about the network expansions planned for 2018: Lagkadas, Epanomi, Michaniona, Neo Rysio, Chalastra, Koufalia in the wider area of Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Elassona, Palama, Tyrnavos , Agia in Thessaly.
In addition, during the ceremony, the excellent cooperation between the Public Gas Company with the private sector was highlighted and that, in the period of 2018-2022 investments of 101 million euros for the development of the infrastructure are planned. Reference has also been made to the efforts of the last two years for the supply of the region of Thessaloniki with natural gas so that a citizen of the wider area, now can enjoy its benefits, which was implemented with programming and consistency. Finally, the importance of environmental protection, with reference to the contribution of natural gas to the reduction of pollutant emissions, as well as to the development of the Renewable Energy Sector, was emphasized.
At the same time, thankful expressions to all those who contributed so that the natural gas arrived at Nea Mesimvria were made, the time that the company was committed to, while it was characterized as a historic day for Nea Mesimvria, with particularly beneficial consequences both in the domestic economy and the entrepreneurship. Assistance from the Ministry was also requested, to develop the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) without any price differentiation.
In addition, during the speeches, reference was made to the importance of the Company's management and the staff to meet the targets and the timetables, and it was pointed out that the percentage satisfaction of the natural gas consumers was as high as 90 to 95%, according to relevant surveys. It was also mentioned that the natural gas penetration is a change for the area’s energy future and that the institutional framework ensures multiple benefits for the citizens, while the perfect organization of the company and its commitment to the safe distribution of natural gas have been impressive.
The developmental character of natural gas and the contribution of the region of Central Macedonia to the expansion of its network in the region, thanks to the commitment of 15 million euros from European programs, was also highlighted.
In Nea Mesimvria, according to the scheduled timetable, the construction and the supply of the expansion of the natural gas network of 3.5km according to the development plan of EDA THESS and the benefit of the use of natural gas, domestic, commercial consumers and Public - Municipal Buildings, is implemented.
The applications for connections to the natural gas network have already exceeded 280. For the period 2018-2022, an additional network is expected to be constructed by EDA THESS, to serve as many consumers as possible, and the company's target is the 60% of the population to be supplied with natural gas.
The ceremony was completed by setting up the gas flame that signaled the supply of the area. Earlier, the Community Store of N. Mesimvria and the first domestic consumer were supplied with natural gas.
