The distribution of natural gas, as a monopolistic activity, was separated from the supply of natural gas by Law 4336/2015.
By law, the following companies were established:
- EDA Attica, as the owner and operator of the natural gas distribution network in the Attica region
- EDA Thessaloniki-Thessaly, as the owner and operator of the natural gas distribution network in the Thessaloniki and Thessaly regions
- DEDA, as the owner and operator of the natural gas distribution networks of the rest of Greece, except for the areas of EDA Attica and EDA Thessaloniki-Thessaly.
In case one of the above companies does not intend to build a network in a specific Municipality, a third party may apply to RAE for a natural gas distribution license in that Municipality according to the provisions of article 80Γ of Law 4001/2011
The country’s distribution networks, depending on their operating pressure, are divided into:
- Medium pressure network (Nominal pressure 19.0 bar)
- Low pressure network (Nominal pressure 0.025 – 4.0 bar)
By RAE Decision 589/2013 (Government Gazette B ‘487 / 20.07.2017), the Distribution Network Operation Code was issued. This Code sets the rights and obligations of the Distribution System Operator, the distribution network’s Users and the final customers that are connected to the network as well as issues related to the operation, maintenance, development, and management of the distribution network. The network access terms and conditions of the distribution system Users and the services provided by the distribution network operator are also set therein.
By RAE Decision 298/2018 the 1st Distribution Network Operation Code amendment was completed (Government Gazette B ‘1507 / 02.05.2018).
By RAE Decision 642/2018 the 2nd Distribution Network Administration Code amendment was carried out (Government Gazette B ‘3334 / 10.08.2018).
The DSO is obliged to provide the Basic Activity Distribution Services, according to the specific terms and conditions set in the Distribution Network Operation Code, to the distribution system Users and Final Customers, in the most economical, transparent and direct way, without any discrimination between the Users or the Final Customers. The Basic Activity of the Operator includes, among others:
- Provision of access to the Distribution Users, with objective and impartial criteria, without endangering the smooth and safe operation of the Distribution Network, in accordance with the specific provisions of the Distribution Network Operation Code and the relevant legislation.
- Development (planning and construction) of the Distribution Network
- Inspection, maintenance, replacement, and upgrade of the Distribution Network
- Ensuring the security of the Distribution Network, management and immediate response to emergencies, crisis management
- Approval of Indoor Facilities Studies and inspection conduction in new buildings
- Promotion of the use of natural gas through market mechanisms for the development of the Distribution Network and the connection of new Final Customers to the Distribution Network
- Development and operation of easy-to-use and secure information systems, for the execution of his activities
- Switching shipping carrier process per delivery point
- Activation of the natural gas meters
The Operator’s expenses for the above distribution services are recovered from the distribution tariffs according to the methodology specified in the Distribution Tariff Regulation and the Operator’s Development Plan as they are approved by RAE. The Tariff Regulation of the Basic Natural Gas Distribution Activity was issued by RAE Decision 328/2016. The Regulation sets the methodology for determining the tariffs of the Basic Distribution Activity, as it is defined in the relevant code, and in accordance with the provisions of article 88 of Law 4001/2011, for the Distribution Networks of Attica, Thessaloniki-Thessaly, and the rest of Greece.
RAE Decision 235/2019 approved a single Metering Code for all the natural gas distribution networks. The Code defines the responsibilities and obligations of the DSOs, the Distribution System Users, and the Final Customers regarding the issues of measuring or estimating the delivered quantity as well as the quality parameters of the Natural Gas in the Distribution Network, the measurement process, the dispute resolution process and the rules for providing and exchanging data on measurements.
EDA Attica:
- Distribution License (Amendment)
- Natural Gas Distribution Network Operation License
- Network Development Plan 2020-2024
- Tariffs 2019-2022
- Auxiliary Services List
EDA Thessaloniki-Thessaly
- Distribution License
- Natural Gas Distribution Network Operation License
- Network Development Plan 2020-2024
- Tariffs 2019-2022
- Auxiliary Services List
DEDA:
- Distribution License
- Natural Gas Distribution Network Operation License
- Network Development Plan 2020-2024
- Tariffs 2019-2022
- Auxiliary Services List
Hengas:
The company holds a Distribution License in the Municipalities of Deskatis, Polygyros, Paionia, Edessa and Megalopolis.It has not been granted yet a Natural Gas Distribution Network Operation License.
