THE NATIONAL THIRD PARTY ACCESS CODE FOR NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SYSTEMS

Abstract

The National Third Party Access Code for Natural Gas Pipeline Systems is a result of February 1994 recommendations made by the Council of Australian Governments. The Code establishes a third party access regime which, when implemented, will apply to gas transmission pipelines and gas distribution systems.

This paper provides an overview of the Third Party Access Code. It examines the scope of the Code; the procedure by which the Code is made to apply to new pipelines; the content of access arrangements required under the Code; and the provisions for third party access and dispute resolution. The paper also notes various miscellaneous provisions in the Access Code which address issues such as ring-fencing of pipeline services and the prohibitions on hindering access.

The paper concludes with some practical guidance on steps the gas industry can take in response to the Access Code. These steps are suggested from the perspective of existing and prospective pipeline operators and owners, as well as from the perspective of pipeline users and prospective pipeline users.