Natural gas pipe network rules laid

Regulations have just been issued in the Government Gazette which prepare for the eventuality of having a natural gas pipe network, as part of the transposition to the EU's acquis communautaire.

"These regulations are just a formality on how to regulate a gas pipe network which we don't have in place yet," Enemalta chairman Robert Ghirlando said.

The Government Gazette of Friday said that these regulations, which fall under the Malta Resources Authority Act, establish rules for the transmission, distribution, supply and storage of natural gas.

The gazette lays down the rules relating to the organisation and functioning of the natural gas sector, access to the market and operation of systems among others.

It also establishes the criteria and procedures applicable to the granting of authorisations for transmission, distribution, supply and storage of natural gas.

The regulations also ensure that the competent authority takes all the necessary measures to achieve a competitive market in natural gas.

Prof. Ghirlando said that if Malta one day opted to have a gas pipe network, it would mean digging up the streets again to lay the pipes together with the other services.

Malta had a gas pipe network in a number of towns up to the '70s, with gas piped directly into homes, which meant householders could do without a gas cylinder.