Transmission system operator

Transmission system operator ( TSO , Eng. Transmission System Operator , shortly TSO) are service companies that the infrastructure of the trans-regional gas networks for the transport of natural gas to operate surgically provide need-based maintenance and sizing and allow gas distributors / suppliers non-discriminatory access to these networks. The transmission system is connected to the more closely meshed network of the distribution system operators (DSO), who usually guarantee the supply of the end customers.

State regulation

Transmission networks are natural monopolies and their operators are generally subject to state supervision.

In Germany, the second amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) in 2005 saw the "regulated network access" model come into force. It empowers the Federal Network Agency to regulate transmission system operators. Network operators must then grant all gas suppliers access to their pipeline network, for which they receive a fee. The process of non-discriminatory access to the network by various competitors is regulated by regulating network access (access regulation); the so-called entry-exit model was introduced in 2006 . The Federal Network Agency also monitors network charges as part of the incentive regulation ( charge regulation ).

Independent transport network operator

With the requirements of the 3rd EU internal market package , which became legally valid with the amendment of the EnWG in November 2010 and which had to be implemented by March 2012 at the latest, there were also extensive unbundling requirements , which made the transformation of integrated network operators into so-called "independent transport network operators" ( Independent Transmission Operator , ITO) required. This also includes the requirement to completely differentiate oneself in name and image from the trading activities of the parent company. In practice, these provisions in Germany led to numerous sales by the network operators by the integrated energy groups (sale of Open Grid Europe by E.ON, sale of Thyssengas by RWE, etc.).

In Austria, E-Control is the regulatory authority for transmission system operators.

Network operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

In 2017 there were a total of 16 transmission system operators in Germany, divided into two market areas :

• Gaspool market area , mainly in Northern and Eastern Germany: Gascade , GTG Nord (subsidiary of EWE ), Gasunie Deutschland , jordGas (subsidiary of Gasunie Deutschland and Open Grid Europe [1] ), Nowega , Ontras (subsidiary of VNG), Lubmin-Brandov Gastransport, OPAL Gastransport, Fluxys Deutschland and NEL Gastransport;
• NetConnect Germany market area , mainly in western and southern Germany: bayernets , GRTgaz Germany , Open Grid Europe , Terranets BW , Fluxys TENP and Thyssengas

The OMV subsidiary Gas Connect Austria , as well as Baumgarten-Oberkappel Gasleitungsgesellschaft (BOG) and Trans Austria Gasleitung are active in Austria .

In Switzerland it is Swissgas .

See also

• Association of European Gas Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-G): Here also a complete list of transmission system operators in Europe
• Association of Gas Transmission System Operators (FNB Gas)
• Transmission system operator in the electricity sector

Individual evidence

1. ↑ TSO in English refers to both operators of transmission networks for electricity and operators of gas transmission networks
2. ↑ Individual major customers (e.g. power plants) can also be connected directly to the transmission system.
3. ↑ Tasks of the Federal Network Agency ( Memento of the original from March 28, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.