Since 1st July 2007 Ireland’s retail gas market has been open to competition and all gas customers are now eligible to switch their gas supplier. This represents over half a million domestic customers. Increased competition in the natural gas market can potentially offer a number of important benefits to consumers, including increased choice, greater efficiency, lower prices and higher standards of service.
The Gas Market Retail Advisory Group (GMARG)
The GMARG is the primary forum for the discussion of all Shipper-related retail issues required to facilitate Full Market Opening in the Irish natural gas market and is also progressing changes to the new procedures which form part of the new Code of Operations. The GMARG also deals with retail issues. It is an autonomous industry body formed to provide guidance to, and consistency between, the development and implementation phases of full market opening.
Specifically, the GMARG:
- Reviews Market Rules and Regulatory Framework.
- Considers and recommends to the CER appropriate principles and business rules to ensure that the market arrangements for full market opening are fair to all parties and operate effectively.
- Reviews Processes and Procedures.
- Oversees and advises on the progress towards implementation.
The GMARG may make comments and recommendations to the CER on any of the areas set out above. The CER is responsible for approving the final overall arrangements, having regard to the views of the GMARG.