Energy, Energy Market, Gas, Latvia, Law and Regulations

The draft regulations will now be reviewed by state secretaries.

The Economics Ministry explains that the goal of the new natural gas market regulation is to streamline the natural gas sale process and make it more user-friendly. The main concept is that the natural gas seller is responsible for customer service, while technical matters that deal with natural gas transmission are left to the distribution company. The new concept is similar to the current electricity distribution and sale system in Latvia.

The natural gas market will be gradually opened up to households, however, those households that do not want to buy natural gas from another seller after April 3, 2017 will be able to continue to buy natural gas from the current seller at regulated prices.

On the other hand, companies will have to choose a natural gas seller from which they will buy natural gas.

The new regulations lay down the rights and obligations of natural gas sellers, distribution system operator and users, natural gas supply rules, as well as the payment procedure, late payment interest rates, how users can switch from one natural gas seller to another, and others.

The regulations will come into force after approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.