Regulatory Affairs department
The Gas Networks Ireland Regulatory Affairs Department is responsible for the regulation of infrastructure and market activities, ensuring that Gas Networks Ireland delivers a reliable and safe system at a fair cost and, on a non-discriminatory basis, to gas customers. It operates within the Strategy & Regulation (S&R) Directorate, which also leads on Strategy Development and Implementation; Sustainability; and Public Affairs for the business.
Regulatory Affairs performs a key strategic role, with specific focus on the regulatory governance and frameworks across Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, European and national policy in addition to managing the Shipper/Supplier relationship.
Gas Networks Ireland holds eight licences with which it must comply, and therefore Regulatory Affairs has ongoing engagement with the relevant Regulatory Authorities. i.e., the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in the Republic of Ireland; the Utility Regulator (UR) in Northern Ireland and Ofgem in GB.
The role of Regulatory Affairs in Gas Networks Ireland includes:
- Managing the day-to-day relationships with gas shippers and suppliers and providing support to them on the operation of the retail and wholesale gas markets;
- Facilitating the ongoing development of the retail and wholesale gas markets in Ireland in compliance with the National and European regulatory frameworks;
- Overseeing and ensuring representation of Gas Networks Ireland and GNI (UK) at European fora and institutions; and,
- Monitoring compliance with Gas Networks Ireland's regulatory and licence obligations and advising management accordingly.
Regulatory Affairs provides services to a wide range of stakeholders. Business delivery is divided into two key areas:
Regulatory Framework, comprising:
- EU Affairs and National Policy. Monitors and manages European Union (EU) and national policy and market developments. Learn more
- Regulatory Affairs. Leads on the interaction with Regulatory Authorities and Government Departments on matters including Regulatory Compliance. Learn more
- Wholesale Market. Responsible for the development and operation of the rules governing gas transportation in Ireland. Learn more
Regulatory Operations, comprising:
- PAYG metering. Pay As You Go (PAYG) metering allows customers to purchase their credit at vending outlets. Learn more
- Gas Point Registration. The GPRO works on an independent basis to manage the register of all natural gas points in the Republic of Ireland on behalf of all suppliers. A central meter registration system is essential in an open market in order to assign a Supplier to each metering gas point. Learn more
- Shipper services. Each gas shipper and supplier is assigned a dedicated Key Account Manager to assist with their day-to-day dealings with Gas Networks Ireland. Learn more
- Retail market. The Retail Market team manages the Gas Market Arrangements Retail Group (GMARG). Learn more