About the Gas Forum
The Gas Forum comprises virtually every significant GB gas shipper and gas supplier ('gas shippers' own gas from import at the beach terminals to the point of delivery to customers premises where "gas suppliers" then sell the gas to the customer).
The Gas Forum was established in 1994. It has now become a substantial body, respected and consulted by Westminster and by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI), Ofgem, energywatch, the European Commission, National Grid Gas and others.
The Gas Forum has taken the lead in formulating the rules for governance of the retail side of the gas industry by initiating and supporting the work which has culminated in the draft Supply Point Administration Agreement ('SPAA').
In 2001 the Forum adopted a new constitution which has greatly facilitated operations and simplified the process whereby views held by a large majoirty of members can be expressed in public statements. Recently the effectiveness of this has been demonstrated by a team of representatives of the Gas Forum giving evidence to the House of Commons Trade and Industry Committee, and by the paper on Security of Supply submitted to the Cabinet Office by the Gas Forum.
The Gas Forum has established a substantial number of Work Groups. These groups cover a wide range of issues relevant to shippers and suppliers. The Work Groups have been responsible for the development of various Codes of Practice that are in use throughout the industry. They work closely with relevant outside organisations such as Ofgem, energywatch, the Health & Safety Executive, HM Customs & Excise and the DETR.
The Gas Forum was set up with an awareness of competition issues. Procedures are in place to establish terms of reference, and to set agendas and record minutes of meetings. These should ensure compliance with competition legislation, making the Gas Forum the ideal forum in which to exchange views with industry peers whilst complying with Competition Law.
The Gas Forum offers numerous benefits and services to companies either already active in or planning to participate in, the downstream gas industry. At regular members' meetings, and through the wide range of work groups, it gets quickly to the heart of issues that affect industry, both now and in the future, providing an invaluable opportunity to share opinions. Comprehensive information on what is happening across the broad spectrum of the industry is published through the Gas Fourm's weekly Newsletter, regular meetings and the Gas Forum's active members-only website. The members-only website is updated virtually daily to provide an invaluable source of information.
In addition to routine work, the Gas Forum holds seminars to address specific issues at the request of members. These seminars have been generally recognised as outstanding.
Gas Forum membership is open to all licensed GB gas shippers and gas suppliers whose applications is approved by the Executive Committee.
