The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will not currently make changes to the Regulations of Use of Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage Facility (Inčukalns UGS) regarding the regulation of injection capacity. This decision was made taking into account the opinions provided by market participants during the public consultation. JSC "Conexus Baltic Grid" will continue work on improving the planned regulation.
The market participants who expressed their opinion during the public consultation and consultation meeting organized by the PUC unanimously stated that they do not support the introduction of the regulation of the natural gas injection curve in the Regulations of Use of Inčukalns UGS.
“Taking into account the position of market participants, JSC "Conexus Baltic Grid" will continue work on improving the regulation of Inčukalna PGK operation, therefore market participants are invited to cooperate with the operator to find the best possible solution for improving regulation. We thank everyone who provided opinions and proposals during the public consultation. In the opinion of the PUC, to introduce a market-oriented solution for the operation of the Inčukalns UGS, it is essential to look for a coordinated solution for the efficient use of storage capacity and to maintain flexibility in the operation of the storage facility," says the PUC’s chairman Alda Ozola, commenting on the results of the consultation on the Regulations of Use of Inčukalns UGS.
It has already been reported that from January 12 to 26, 2023, a public consultation of the draft of amendments to the Regulations for the Use of the Inčukalna PGK, which defines the regulation of the natural gas injection curve, was held by the PUC. A consultation meeting was held on February 14, 2023.
The intention of the regulation proposed in the public consultation was aimed at a legal solution that balances the interests of the storage system operator and the users of the Inčukalns PGK, in order to promote the efficient use of the storage capacity, as well as to reduce the risks of congestion of the Inčukalns PGK during the natural gas injection season.
More about the consultation announced on January 12, 2023 and the intended amendments in the PUC's published post: https://ieej.lv/SZyIr
Before issuing legal acts within the competence of the PUC, as well as on those issues within the competence of the PUC, on which it is necessary to obtain the opinion of the market participants of the relevant regulated industry, the PUC conducts public consultations. As part of consultations, the PUC publishes the prepared consultation document on its website and invites market participants as well as interested parties to submit comments and proposals.
Photo Credit: JSC "Conexus Baltic Grid"