ENTSOG Annual Report 2013

\\ Stakeholder Support Process (9 –23 July) to seek stakeholders support for the content of the refined network code. Strong support was received from stakeholders on the de- velopment process and the content of the refined network code. \\ Finalisation of proposed network code and analysis of decisions taking into account the outcome of the Conclusions Workshop and the Stakeholder Support Process After receiving the network code from ENTSOG, ACER compared it with the framework guidelines and acknowledged a generally high level of con- formity (ACER’s Reasoned Opinion, 21 November 2013). ACER also listed some deviations that were justified by ENTSOG and supported by stake­ holders. Some structural and textual refinements, adaptations, and clarifications were proposed for purposes of legal consistency and to align the net- work code more fully with the provisions and ob- jectives of the framework guidelines, Regulation (EC) 715 / 2009 and its annexes, as well as other network codes. \\ Submission of proposed network code to ACER: 10 September

\\ Defines procedures for managing potential cross-border trade re­ strictions due to gas quality differences, for offering information to consumers on short-term variations in quality parameters and for moni- toring long-term quality changes

\\ Defines procedures for managing potential cross-border trade restrictions due to differences in odourisation practices

\\ Defines harmonized communication solutions for necessary data exchange and a process for the development of the content for each type of exchange

As a consequence, ENTSOG decided the following:

\\ Amendment of proposed network code tak- ing ACER’s reasoned opinion into account

Natural gas helps to decrease harmful emissions such as particulate matter.

\\ Re-submission of amended network code to ACER: 18 December

Image courtesy of FGSZ

After re-submitting the amended network code to ACER, ENTSOG will continue to provide ACER and the EC with support and consultation in pre- paring for the comitology approval process. When- ever requested, ENTSOG will support the formal Gas Committee sessions in an expert capacity.

GAS QUALITY

Differences in gas quality specifications between operating systems can impede the free flow of gas in the internal market. Therefore, the concept of harmonised specifications has been widely explored by different groups over the past years. ENTSOG, utilizing the experience of its members, tries to participate and actively contribute to the relevant activities. ENTSOG have followed up the gas quality standardisation work performed by CEN (CEN Mandate M/400 for natural gas quality standard and CEN Mandate M/475 for biomethane standard) and participated in the coordina- tion group of the pilot project EU gas quality harmonisation implementation led by EASEE-gas and Marcogaz.

The delivered network code:

\\ Makes interconnection agreement man­ datory for each interconnection point with specific terms that assure technical cooper- ation between adjacent TSOs necessary for the gas market integration

\\ Establishes a common set of units for com- munication and data exchange purposes

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