Entry and exit capacity

The system for selling GTS´ transport services is known as the entry-exit system. The pipeline network has about 50 so called ´entry´ and 1,100 so called ´exit´ points. At an entry point the gas can be physically injected in the system. At an exit point the gas can be physically removed from the system (for example, a gas delivery station or an export station).

GTS customers buy capacity at these entry and exit points so that they can inject gas into a specific point in the system and off-take it elsewhere (= transport). The customer is free to choose the combinations of entry and exit points but must ensure that a certain balance is maintained between the volume of gas injected into the system and the volume off-taken. That is why GTS has imposed a balancing regime.

GTS provides both firm (assured) and interruptible (non-firm) capacity. Firm capacity means that a customer knows for sure he can use the capacity he has purchased. Interruptible capacity runs a certain change of being interrupted. It will not be offered until firm capacity is sold out. Capacity with a higher chance of being interrupted will not be sold until all capacity with a lower interruption chance is sold.

Gas that has been injected into the national gas transmission grid via an entry point is not restricted to a particular area and can therefore change ownership easily before it leaves the system at an exit point thus making gas trade possible.