NMa collaborates with State Supervision of Mines on the issue of gas transport safety

The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has handed over supervision of gas transport safety to the State Supervision of Mines (SODM). This was effected by signing a collaboration protocol on 16 April 2007. The protocol outlines the division of tasks and responsibilities between the two organisations.

SODM has for a considerable period of time supervised the safety of gas transports along gas production pipes. It is therefore excellently qualified to monitor the quality of gas production piping systems as well as national and regional networks. The Office of Energy Regulation (DTe) is responsible for quality regulation. Its regulatory programme stimulates gas network operators (and electricity grid operators) to uphold safety levels and refrain from cutting down on maintenance costs. DTe, as a market regulator, welcomes the opportunity to benefit from SODM's technical expertise.