
Course description
Participants Testimonials
The 6th edition of ERRA’s Natural Gas Training Course builds upon the previous similar training programs. It aims to give a general introduction into the gas value chain with special emphasis on upstream gas supplies. It is supposed to give a good understanding of the restructuring process of the gas industry and of wholesale markets. It puts special emphasis on regulators approaches of gas infrastructures, gas storage and security of supply issues.
Day 1 – Global Gas Market Developments: Demand & Supply
The first day deals with the gas value chain, global picture and players, geopolitical dimension. The issues of supply and upstream; supply and midstream are discussed. Industry facts and economics of gas industry are presented together with competition between LNG and gas by pipeline. The future of gas, regional demand perspectives, the factors affecting short and long term demand for natural gas are addressed, seasonality, factors influencing gas demand by consumer groups: residential, industrial, electricity generation, etc. interruptible consumption is discussed. An overview of the main current and prospective suppliers is given and commercial, political and upstream factors influencing their future positioning in the global gas market is discussed. Finally the day concludes with a simulation of energy policy.
Day 2 – Wholesale Gas Markets, Trade
The day starts with the role of LNG in creating a global gas market and how prices might be influenced by the new entrants to the LNG market. Deals with vertically integrated companies; regulatory issues at a vertically integrated industry: licensing and monitoring; end customer tariff setting; network connection and its costs; business conduct rules are discussed on the European restructuring and liberalization example. Investigates the role of competition and (EU) competition law; the EU Gas Directives, the Third package and the main institutions involved into the enforcement of EU law in the energy sector. Introduces the role of long-term contracts, take-or-pay, volumes, pricing & oil-indexation, flexibility, nominations, destination clauses, transits. Gas market designs: hubs, wholesale markets, price correlation; gas trading in practice.
Day 3 – Transportation, Access to Infrastructure and Tariffs
Deals with the principles of calculating the revenue requirement of regulated segments of the sector. Why there is space for regulatory intervention; Where and when should the regulator intervene with tariff regulation; What are the main regulatory models applied in cases of regulatory intervention; What are the main components of the revenue requirement and the principles of how these are calculated. Describes the European tariff setting and third party access rules to networks; and explains exit-entry tariff setting in an Excel based simulation exercise. Focuses on the TSO function: transmission, system operation and balancing; EU unbundling regimes. Practicalities of the Network Codes: introduces cross border trade, pipeline capacity allocation and congestion management, transit, new pipelines, quality issues. The day ends with practical information on capacity trading platforms.
Day 4 – Security of Supply and Flexibility
Deals with security of supply in terms of short-term and long-term policies and approaches, the external dimensions, strategic stocks, pipeline projects and exemptions from TPA rules. Gas storage regulation in a restructured gas sector is presented. Security of supply issues with regards new pipeline developments, reverse flow on existing pipelines and the diversification of supply routes are discussed. Financing of security of supply, incentives on infrastructure investment, social cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure, cross-border cost allocation are presented.
Day 5 – Retail Markets
The last day will focus on the consumers. The competition issues of the retail market, supplier switching process and consumer protection will be addressed. Monitoring and the role of the regulators in informing consumers about their rights, the role of transparency will be tackled. Special attention is given to non-payment and metering problems. Social issues related to energy prices and the tools to address the problems.
Group Assignment: Throughout the course a group assignment in form of a strategic game will be played. Participants present the results and the lessons learned on the last day.
Round table discussions: Every day selected hot topics – submitted by the participants – are discussed, possibly grouped thematically along the structure of the course.
Course registration
ERRA Full Members | EUR 1 130 + 27% VAT |
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ERRA Associate Members | EUR 1 340 + 27% VAT | |
Non-Member Regulators | EUR 1 550 + 27% VAT | |
Non-regulators | EUR 2 075 + 27% VAT |
Tuition fee includes: training materials, lunches, coffee breaks during the training course and a social programme.
Kindly note that accommodation is not included in the tuition fee. Negotiated rate for Training Participants at the course venue is EUR 69/ person/ night (incl. buffet breakfast, WIFI, use of swimming pool, sauna, fitness and VAT). Room reservations and payment should be settled directly with the hotel by October 22, 2018. Reservation form will be provided with confirmation letter.
Course location
Budapest
Hungary
Lion’s Garden Hotel ****
Address: Cházár András u. 4, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Tel.: +36 1 273 2070
E-mail: info-at-lions-garden.com
Web: http://www.lionsgarden.hu/en
GLOBAL GAS MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: DEMAND & SUPPLY
Opening address and introduction by participants

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Introducing the Value Chain. Global Picture and Players. Geopolitical Dimension

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Group Photo
Coffee break
The Role of Natural Gas in Turkey. Role of Turkey in the Regional Gas Market

Özkoc, Hasan
Deputy Secretary General, MEDREG
Lunch
Economics of Upstream Oil and Gas

Zelei, Gábor
Former President, Mining and Geological Survey, Hungary
Coffee break
Off-class Teamwork Assignment for the Week

Kotek, Péter
Senior Research Associate, Regional Center for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
End of Day 1
WHOLESALE GAS MARKETS, TRADE
LNG Supply: Impact on Global Trade Patterns

Drinkwater, Matt
Senior Editor for Electricity, Gas and LNG, Argus
Coffee break
Gas Storage Regulation on the Transmission System, Principles, Models, Platforms

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Natural Gas Wholesale Trade: Opportunities and Obstacles

Andó, Bálint
Head of Gas Wholesale, MET Hungary Ltd., Hungary
Lunch
Gas Exchange Trading

Güttl, Florian
Key Account Manager, PEGAS-CEGH Gas Exchange Services, Austria
Coffee break
Hot Topics in Gas Markets Regulation
End of Day 2
Budapest Sightseeing Bus Tour
Group Dinner
TRANSPORTATION, ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND TARIFFS
Principles of Calculating the Revenue Requirement of Regulated Segments of the Sector and Tariff Setting in the Natural Gas Sector

Haralambopoulos, Nick
Director, Economic Consulting Associates (ECA) Ltd., United Kingdom
Coffee break
Transmission Tariff Systems

Kácsor, Enikő
Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Entry/ Exit Tariff Setting Simulation

Kácsor, Enikő
Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Lunch
Capacity Allocation on the Transmission System, Principles, Models, Platforms

Szolnoki, Pálma
Head of Department, Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (HEA), Hungary
Coffee break
Restructuring of Gas Markets, Liberalization, Role of the Regulator

Kaderják, Péter
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Policy, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Hungary
End of Day 3
SECURITY OF SUPPLY AND FLEXIBILITY
Security of Supply Issues in the European Gas Sector. Demand and Supply Shocks in the EU (2009-2018)

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Coffee break
Future of Gas. Gas Demand Characteristics and International Developments

Petrov, Konstantin
Managing Consultant, DNV GL - Energy, Germany
Hot Topics in Gas Markets Regulation
Lunch
Financing Investments Related to Security of Supply and Regulatory Tools to Foster Investment

Šimkus, Andrius
Gas Expert, Energy Community Secretariat, Austria
Coffee break
Role and Operation of the TSO. Unbundling, System Planning, Operation (Nomination, Allocation, Measurement, Balancing, Financial Settlement)

Tatár, Balázs
Head of Sales and Customer Support, Hungarian Natural Gas Transmission Company (FGSZ), Hungary
End of Day 4
RETAIL MARKET ISSUES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Market Monitoring, Non-payment, Metering, Switching

Martinoski, Martin
Head of the Energy Markets Monitoring Department, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), North Macedonia
Coffee break
Principles of Consumer Protection; Role of the Regulator

Martinoski, Martin
Head of the Energy Markets Monitoring Department, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), North Macedonia
Final Test
Lunch
Presentation of the Off-Class Assignment by Participants

Kácsor, Enikő
Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Course Evaluation
Group Photo
Signing the ERRA Alumni Book
Final Comments and Farewell

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
End of Training Course
Course Director

Takácsné Tóth, Borbála
Senior Researcher, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary
Instructors

Andó, Bálint
Head of Gas Wholesale, MET Hungary Ltd., Hungary

Drinkwater, Matt
Senior Editor for Electricity, Gas and LNG, Argus

Güttl, Florian
Key Account Manager, PEGAS-CEGH Gas Exchange Services, Austria

Haralambopoulos, Nick
Director, Economic Consulting Associates (ECA) Ltd., United Kingdom

Kácsor, Enikő
Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary

Kaderják, Péter
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Policy, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Hungary

Kotek, Péter
Senior Research Associate, Regional Center for Energy Policy Research (REKK), Hungary

Martinoski, Martin
Head of the Energy Markets Monitoring Department, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), North Macedonia

Özkoc, Hasan
Deputy Secretary General, MEDREG

Petrov, Konstantin
Managing Consultant, DNV GL - Energy, Germany

Šimkus, Andrius
Gas Expert, Energy Community Secretariat, Austria

Szolnoki, Pálma
Head of Department, Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (HEA), Hungary

Tatár, Balázs
Head of Sales and Customer Support, Hungarian Natural Gas Transmission Company (FGSZ), Hungary

Zelei, Gábor
Former President, Mining and Geological Survey, Hungary
Please note that Training Materials are available only for registered participants (who fully paid the tuition fee) and ERRA Members. Please LOGIN with your username and password.
Nr. | Country | Name | Organization | Job Title |
1 | Oman | Mohammed Al Shahri | Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) | Board Member |
2 | Oman | Salman Mohammed Salman Alshidi | Ministry of Oil and Gas, Sultanate of Oman | Director General of Petroleum Investments |
3 | Georgia | Maia Bregvadze | Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) | Chief Specialist of Natural Gas Department |
4 | Hungary | Péter Bölkény | Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (HEA) | International Gas Expert |
5 | Egypt | Mohamed Elsayed | Gas Regulatory Authority (GASREG) | General Manager in Contracts Department |
6 | Egypt | Habiba Elsebai | Gas Regulatory Authority (GASREG) | Section Head of the Licenses and Contracts |
7 | Croatia | Ivana Erceg | Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA) | Associate for Tariff Systems and the Gas and Oil Market |
8 | Brazil | Cristina Fetue | TBG - Brazilian Gas Transmission Company | Business Development and Regulatory Affairs |
9 | Latvia | Gunta Freze | Public Utilities Commission (PUC) | Senior Expert |
10 | Sri Lanka | Chamath Goonewardena | Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) | Director - Regulatory Affairs |
11 | Oman | Ahmed Hashim | Oman Gas Company SAOC | Investment Manager |
12 | Egypt | Ahmed Khalil | Gas Regulatory Authority (GASREG) | Senior Specialist Board Meetings and General Assembly Technical Secretary |
13 | Brazil | Laura Maranhao | TBG - Brazilian Gas Transmission Company | Planning and Tariff Coordinator |
14 | Botswana | Matsapa Motswetla | Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) | Executive Director |
15 | Latvia | Jānis Negribs | Public Utilities Commission (PUC) | Senior Expert |
16 | Croatia | Andrea Rosanda | Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA) | Associate for Tariff Systems and the Gas and Oil Market |
17 | Bulgaria | Mariana Sirkova | Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) | Chief Expert, Natural Gas Division |
18 | Oman | Hassan Taqi | Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) | Director of Economic & Financial Affairs |
19 | Bulgaria | Veselin Todorov | Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) | Chief Expert |
20 | Bulgaria | Vanya Vasileva | Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) | Chief Expert |
21 | Turkey | Sefa Özel | Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) | Assistant Energy Expert |
Venue/ Accommodation
Lion’s Garden Hotel ****
Address: Cházár András u. 4, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Tel.: +36 1 273 2070
E-mail: info-at-lions-garden.com
Web: http://www.lionsgarden.hu/en
Kindly note that accommodation is not included in the tuition fee. Negotiated rate for Training Participants at the course venue is EUR 69/ person/ night (incl. buffet breakfast, WIFI, use of swimming pool, sauna, fitness and VAT). Room reservations and payment should be settled directly with the hotel by October 22, 2018. Reservation form will be provided with confirmation letter.
Tuition fee includes: training materials, lunches, coffee breaks during the training course and a social programme.
Visa
Please verify the visa requirements of Hungary by contacting the Hungarian Embassy in your country. The list of diplomatic missions is available here: http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/missions. The list of countries whose citizens do not require visas to enter Hungary can be found at http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/visa-waiver-agreements.
List of third countries, where a Schengen state issues visas on behalf of Hungary is available on this page: http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/visa-issuance-on-behalf-of-hungary.
In case you need an entry visa, please immediately contact the ERRA Secretariat! To prepare a visa invitation letter for you, please send us your passport copy.
Airport Transfers/ Travel Information
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (formerly Ferihegy):
- Located 16 kilometres (9,9 mi) east-southeast of the centre of Budapest
- Central telephone number for information: +36 1 296 7000
- http://www.bud.hu/english
- The transfer time to/from the airport to the downtown is approximately 45-60 minutes (subject to traffic)
Shuttle bus
miniBUD (http://www.minibud.hu/) is the official airport shuttle service company providing fixed-priced transfer service between Budapest Airport – Budapest city center – Budapest Airport. The miniBUD airport shuttle service counters located on the arrivals level of Budapest Airport.
Rate to the hotel:
- one-way: HUF 4900 (approx. 17,5 EUR)
- round trip: HUF 8400 (approx. 30 EUR)
Taxi from the Airport
There is an official airport taxi company (Főtaxi) available at the Arrival Hall of the Terminals. All Főtaxi cars are equipped with POS terminal, therefore passengers can pay with credit card as well. Reservations can be made in person at Főtaxi booths located at the exit at Terminal 2A and 2B. At the taxi rank in front of the stands taxis are parking continuously waiting for passengers.
Rates (for reference purposes only): around HUF 6500 (20 EUR) for one way.
Calling a Taxi in Budapest
Please find below the list of larger taxi companies in Budapest:
- Taxi 2000: +36 1 200 0000
- Citytaxi: +36 1 211 1111
- Főtaxi: +36 1 222 2222
- 6×6 Taxi: +36 1 666 6666
Public Transport
Budapest’s network of public transport services (BKK) includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, subway (Metró) and over ground suburban trains (HÉV).
For ticket prices and more information please visit the official website of BKK: http://www.bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/
Booklet in PDF with useful information is available here >>
Railway Stations
International trains operate from the three largest stations:
- Keleti pályaudvar: VIII., Baross tér. Tel: (+36-1) 413 – 4610.
- Nyugati pályaudvar: VI., Nyugati tér Tel: (+36-1) 349-8503
- Déli pályaudvar I. Krisztina krt. 37. Tel: (+36-1) 375-6593
All three international railway stations are part of the Budapest Underground system, the Metró. The Déli is on the Red (Number 2) line, Keleti is on the Red (Number 2) and Green (Number 4) lines and the Nyugati is on the Blue (Number 3) line.
Official website of the Hungarian State Railways: https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en
General Information
Currency: | HUF (Hungarian Forint) Currency Exchange Rates: http://www.mnb.hu/en/arfolyamok |
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Time zone: | UTC/GMT +1 hours | |
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Electricity: | 230 V/50 Hz (Europlug) | |
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Dial Codes: | +36 – | |
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Emergency Calls: | 112 (ambulance, police and fire) | |
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Smoking: | Smoking is not permitted in public places, dining and meeting facilities. | |
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Weather: | http://www.meteoprog.hu/en/weather/Budapest/ http://koponyeg.hu/t/Budapest |
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Information on Budapest: |
http://bebudapest.hu/ http://www.budapest.com/ https://www.budapestinfo.hu/home.html http://www.funzine.hu/ |
Course location
Budapest
Hungary
Lion’s Garden Hotel ****
Address: Cházár András u. 4, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Tel.: +36 1 273 2070
E-mail: info-at-lions-garden.com
Web: http://www.lionsgarden.hu/en