Supply start

The initiation of the supply at the redelivery point occurs following a new supply contract, modification of the contractual conditions, or the reactivation of a pre-existing supply. This process involves interventions limited to the metering unit, including its possible installation or replacement.

City gate

It is the point of delivery and metering of natural gas, that is, the place of connection between the national transport network and the local distribution network. It is also the physical point where the initial decompression of the gas occurs.

End client

The consumer who purchases gas for personal use.

Gas distribution

Gas distribution includes the transfer of gas through local pipeline networks, managed by local authorities, from delivery points at reduction and metering stations to redelivery points for end customers. This encompasses physical operations such as suspension, reactivation, and disconnection, as well as the management, operation, maintenance, and development of these networks.

Metering Unit (meter)

The section of the end client’s supply system used for gas interception, metering, and connection to the internal system; it may include a volume corrector.

Final pressure reduction unit

The set of equipment having the function of reducing pressure to feed end customers.

User or connection Branch System

The connection system consists of pipes and accessory elements essential for delivering gas to the end client. It starts from the intake device that connects to the main road pipeline and extends to the rack where the metering unit is located. This system includes the underground branch, the upright column, and any user reducers.

Distribution system

A network of local gas pipelines, functionally integrated, facilitates the distribution of gas. The distribution system includes all delivery and interconnection points, the network itself (typically underground pipelines on public or private land starting from delivery and interconnection points to end customers), pressure reduction units, final pressure reduction units, user branch systems, redelivery points, and metering units. This entire distribution system is managed by a single distribution company.

Internal system

The system comprises all pipes, shut-off valves, regulating components, and accessory elements necessary to distribute gas from the delivery point to the user devices.

Redelivery Point

The PdR, acronym for Redelivery Point, is the code that uniquely identifies the gas user that all customers have. It corresponds to the physical location of the gas meter, i.e. the geographical location where the gas is measured and delivered from the supplier to the end client.

Gas sales

Gas sales include the operations carried out by merchants. This involves selling and delivering purchased natural gas to end customers. It also includes marketing functions, such as managing the relationship with the end client, including billing, payment management, and receivables management. In order to deliver the purchased gas to the end client, the seller must transport it via national and regional (transportation) networks and local (distribution) networks.