Gas & LPG Safety

The 2006 Act provides provision for natural gas safely. This includes regulation and safety promotion by the CER (CRU) having consulted with the National Standards Authority of Ireland regarding standards. It was to establish and implement a national gas safety framework and for this purpose may direct gas undertakings to advise the public and customers […]

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Gas Regulation

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 changed the powers and functions of the Bord Gáis Eireann (, the Electricity Supply Board and Bord na Móna. It changed the provisions in relation to the operation of gas pipelines and electricity cables offshore investigation of energy investigation of assets licensing and lease undertakings By order made under the […]

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BGE Powers

The Gas Act established Bord Gais Eireann Teoranta.  Its function was to set up and operate the system of supply of natural gas.  Its functions which may be exercised inside or outside the state included transmission, distribution, sale and supply of natural gas acquired by it, purchase or acquisition of natural gas from any source, […]

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Older Regulation

At common law, persons do not have power to interfere with highways for the purpose of laying mains or pipes.  This will constitute a public nuisance and persons would be liable to private suit and proceedings on indictment.  They would be liable for damages to persons thereby suffering damage or loss. The initial legislation prohibits […]

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Older Powers

From the early to mid-19th century, gas undertakings obtained private acts of parliament authorizing them to break open streets, lay pipes and the infrastructure for gas lighting.  They are also authorized to manufacture and supply gas for lighting, heat and other purposes.  They were authorised for the sale, disposal and dealing with gas, coke tar […]

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Gas Background

The Gasworks Clauses Act regulated the older town gas supplying light and heating by manufactured gas.  They continue to apply to some of Bord Gáis Networks that were directly taken over from the previous town gas supplier. The Gasworks Clauses Act was incorporated into private legislation authorizing the gas companies to construct and develop gas […]

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Natural Gas

Ireland’s natural gas market has developed since the discovery of the Kinsale Field in the 1970s.  Prior to that there was only manufactured that gas.  The network has developed and expanded significantly over the last 45 years. Most large population areas now receive natural gas. Bord Gáis was incorporated under the Gas Act 1976.  Over […]

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Gas Market

The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 created the framework for third party access to the Bord Gáis Network.  They applied at first to large customers and persons who wish to source from  alternative suppliers. All gas fired power generators and final consumers using more than 25 million m3 per annum were eligible as of 2000.  […]

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Restructured BGE

A substantial Bord Gáis power plant to Whitegate was commissioned in 2008 and was  operational by 2010.  The 445 megawatt output could power 500,000 homes. In 2008 Bord Gáis purchased a 30 megawatt wind farm in the west of Ireland.  The wind farm investments increased to €50 million. The Gas Regulation Act 2013 provides for […]

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Gas Market [EU]

Harmonised Market The European Union has made directives with a view to harmonizing the internal markets for natural gas, electricity, and equivalent utilities.  The purpose of the legislation is to provide for the opening up of the markets to competition. The Directive on the gas market is designed to complete the opening of the national […]

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