Current issues in gas market regulation

摘要

On 6 November 2001, the Minister of Energy released a discussion paper, prepared by ACIL Consulting, on the New Zealand gas sector. ACIL had been appointed to examine whether the gas sector is meeting the Government's objective that natural gas be delivered to users in an efficient, fair, reliable and sustainable manner. Their report reviews whether the current regulatory regime for gas is well designed to meet these objectives. ACIL considers that the gas wholesale market, although adequate for the present, will be less suitable in the future as the Maui gas field declines. ACIL also concluded that there may be monopoly pricing in gas transmission and distribution. The discussion paper is intended to provoke informed comment from New Zealanders on issues concerning the gas industry, to help the Government consider what action it might take to promote an efficient gas sector. Submissions are due by 31 January 2002, with an opportunity for cross-submissions by 22 February 2002. The Petroleum Conference paper will remind the audience of the key points in the ACIL report and draw attention to some of the main issues coming through in submissions.