RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, is deeply concerned about the prospect of gas distribution network expansions into new geographical territories as, at present, amid the energy crisis, it remains unclear whether an expanded network would result in a greater number of overall gas users in Greece or, on the contrary, excessively increase the cost of this fuel for existing gas users through higher charges on regulated tariffs.

Italgas, following up on its recent 733 million-euro acquisition of DEPA Infrastructure, one of Greece’s biggest energy-sector privatizations, is keen to expand the country’s gas network through three DEPA Infrastructure subsidiaries, EDA Attiki, EDA THESS and DEDA. The expansion project is included in their investment plans for 2022 to 2026.

RAE will soon need to decide on whether to approve these gas network expansion plans.

Italgas has made clear it views geographical expansion of the country’s gas network as am approach that will increase gas usage in the Greek energy market.

Italgas aims to increase the number of gas users in Greece from approximately 600,000 at present to one million by 2028.