The Gas Industry Stakeholders

Explaining the different, significant roles in gas transportation.

There are a wide range of different, specific roles to play in safely and effectively transporting gas to consumers. Among these there are the significant roles of  producing, transporting, supply, regulating, and managing the data of the gas.

The below article will explain these different roles which ensure the effective delivery of gas to consumers.

1. SUPPLY STAKEHOLDERS

The stakeholders in the gas industry cover a wide range of roles and departments. Some of the key roles are detailed below:

• The Supplier

The supplier’s responsibility is establishing and maintaining the relationship with the consumer. They are responsible for arranging meter readings, billing, maintenance of the meter, and ensuring that the correct volume of gas is supplied to and can be accessed by their customers.

In order to do this, it is important that suppliers also maintain a relationship with:

• Meter Reading Agents
  • They are responsible for completing and submitting meter readings (to the supplier) when required. These entities are increasingly relying on technology to obtain reading such as via smart or advanced meters.
• Meter Asset Manager
  • They are responsible for installing and maintaining gas meters. Their job being done correctly is essential for the meter reading agents to carry out their duties
• Meter Asset Provider
  • They are responsible for providing the meters themselves to the meter asset managers, who then install them.

As you can see, each of these stakeholders have a key role which, if unfulfilled, has a knock-on effect to those below them. This mutual reliance is what allows for efficiency in providing the best service possible to consumers.

So, how does the gas get to the supplier in the first place?

• Shippers

Shippers are responsible for purchasing the gas that suppliers request to meet the needs of their customers. They are also responsible for transporting it to the customers themselves.

Shippers contract directly with suppliers and:

• Gas Transporters
  • These entities own or operate the gas pipelines, responsible for transporting gas across the network. They frequently own and operate Gas Distribution Networks (this includes the National Transmission System and Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) within specific regions).
• Independent Gas Transporters
  • These are directly connected to the Gas Distribution Networks via a Connected System Entry Point. Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) largely supply gas to new housing and commercial developments.
• Gas Producers
  • They are responsible for retrieving the gas and then getting it into the National Transmission System.

As well as other shippers. They work specifically directly with transporters to secure and transport the amount of gas they require. This is governed via the Uniform Network Code.

REGULATORY STAKEHOLDERS

OFGEM

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) regulates the companies which run the gas and electricity networks.

What do they do?

XOSERVE

Xoserve is the gas industry’s Central Data Service Provider (CDSP). They are responsible for providing information to gas transportation companies from their central register. Furthermore, they also provide information about gas flows across the entire network.

• The Central Register-
  • This holds information on all premises with a gas supply.
  • It requires sophisticated computer networks and highly skilled people to support the reliable and efficient delivery of the services.
• Gas Flow Information –
  • This helps them recognise which companies are responsible for gas entering and leaving the network which allows it to remain ‘in balance’ between supply and demand.