Network users, network operators and ACM sign agreement on new regulatory method

The network operators, representative organisations of network users and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) have signed the final agreement on a new regulatory method for 2027–2031. Managing director Jeroen Zanting signed the agreement on behalf of GTS.

Central to the agreement is the ACM's method decision. This decision sets out how network operators are regulated, how the efficiency of costs incurred is monitored and how tariffs are calculated. This market-wide agreement provides clarity and stability for the coming years. In addition, the agreement will lead to greater involvement of network users (including industry) in the upcoming investments in the gas and electricity networks for the energy transition.

Jeroen Zanting, managing director GTS, is pleased with this result and the way in which it was achieved: ‘This agreement brings exactly what we need at this stage of the energy transition: stability, clarity and confidence. Thanks to intensive cooperation with representative organisations of network users, ACM and network operators, we now have a widely supported framework that provides confidence and clarity. At GTS, we have listened to the wishes of our customers, and thanks to this agreement, a significant increase in transport tariffs will be prevented in 2027.'

The new method gives GTS the financial basis to continue providing reliable gas transport. With the new method, GTS will continue to prepare the gas transport network for the energy transition. The parties have agreed to amend the regulatory method on the following points:

• Representative organisations of network users will be involved earlier and more effectively in the preparation of network operators’ investment plans. The ACM will assess the investment plans in more details.
• In order to prevent a peak in GTS transport tariffs in 2027, post-calculations from the current regulatory method will be spread over several years.
• Due to the declining gas demand, GTS will decommission parts of the gas transport network in the coming years through dismantling or sale. For example, pipelines will be sold to Hynetwork for the development of the national Dutch hydrogen network. The choices and timing of decommissioning parts of the gas transport network will affect transport tariffs. GTS therefore explains these so-called divestments in its investment plan.
• The new regulatory method will be evaluated in time so that the results can be taken into account in the next regulatory period.

 The ACM will incorporate the agreements into the final methodology decision and expects to publish the final decision and the agreement on 16 February, so that GTS's tariffs for the period 2027 to 2031 can be determined on the basis of this new methodology.