Regulatory Affairs in Gas Networks Ireland

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:

1. Regulatory Framework, comprising:

2. Regulatory Operations, comprising: