IT systems and online portals
In this context, IT systems are very important and are continually being developed. Snam receives new provisions from the Authority via these systems. The online portals, which are used to manager customer relations, also undergo continuous development.
In 2013, the IT applications and related web interfaces with users of the transportation portals were developed, again with the involvement of customers, to improve management linked to the balancing system and enabling management of the second balancing session.
Functions were also introduced that, using information provided by the distribution companies, enable Snam Rete Gas and its users to assess “adequate capacity” to monitor its balancing position more effectively and thus safeguard the gas system.
Stogit is still involved in developing its IT systems so that the quality and fluidity of the service is continuously improved, in accordance with the regulations issued by the Electricity and Gas Authority.
In 2013, the transportation segment conducted a feasibility study on the creation of an online portal to support the disconnection and opening of redelivery points on the transportation network. Starting in 2014, the portal will simplify related activities for users by using a single, clear channel of communication and monitoring request statuses in real time.
As part of the Default Transportation Supply Service, in 2013 Snam:
- held a public call for tenders to select three users to provide the Default Transportation Service in accordance with Electricity and Gas Authority provisions;
- started and finished the computerisation of activities related to this service, enabling the nominated users to fulfil the obligations laid down by the Electricity and Gas Authority in a straightforward manner thanks to the new functionalities available on the Capacity and M-Gas portals.
The creation of a new IT platform to support gas transportation programming and balancing processes is also under way. This is expected to be available by the end of the first half of 2014, guaranteeing better system reliability and performance as well as flexibility and scalability in introducing new requirements, such as those arising from changes to national and European regulation (MWh, nomination cycles, new communication protocols).
In accordance with the storage code, the Stogit capacity portal, which covers all exchanges of information between Stogit and its customers, has been enhanced by the implementation of the strategic storage portal, allowing users to communicate their imports/exports each month and the implementation of the new auction allocation process.
The SAMPEI system was adapted to manage new contracts, various user warehouses and new delivery modes, pursuant to ministerial decrees and resolutions of the Electricity and Gas Authority issued in 2013.
Changes in access to the transportation service
The collaboration continued between Snam Rete Gas and PRISMA to make new functions available from the start of 2014 relative to the secondary market for capacity transactions between users, and the entire set of capacity products defined by the CAM Network Code.
In 2013, Snam Rete Gas, in collaboration with PRISMA technical staff, held two workshops (attended by more than 100 shippers) to present the mechanisms for the daily capacity transferral based on auctions and the new functions relating to the secondary capacity market.
Snam Rete Gas works hard to ensure that its customers have access to the interconnection points with foreign transportation systems by computerising access to transportation services (capacity portal).
