EDA THESS operates as the Natural Gas Distribution Network Operator, with the basic activities of developing, constructing, operating, maintaining and managing the Natural Gas Distribution Network in the areas of the License.
The Company operates in 24 Kallikrates’ Municipalities, aiming at the further development of the distribution network and following its planning with strict consistency. By the end of this year, the distribution network of EDA THESS will expand to a total of 27 Municipalities, while today the pipeline network extends to 2,354 km.
According to the approved Development Program of the Company, until October 2019 the areas of Vasilika, Ag. Paraskevi, Souroti, Tagarades of the Municipality of Thermi and the area of Agia Triada of the Municipality of Thermaikos in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, as well as the areas of N. Anchialos & Microthives of the Municipality of Volos will be connected with the natural gas distribution system, while 3 new areas will be supplied with compressed natural gas, to wit Agia, Palamas and Sofades, in the Region of Thessaly.
EDA THESS, leading the way, has managed to supply remote areas through a "virtual pipeline" using compressed natural gas. The grids are autonomous and are refueled with natural gas by means of compressed natural gas (CNG) loads transported by road. The gas decompression stations are the first integrated installations in the country and are a model of innovation, according to the strictest safety standards.
Planning, construction, operation and maintenance of gas networks with priority of safety
The planning for the construction - expansion of the networks in existing and new areas is always based on the optimal balancing and operation of the network. For this purpose, EDA THESS strictly applies the technical regulations and the legislative framework both for the safe and uninterrupted distribution of natural gas to consumers, and for the maximum capacity of the distribution network in conditions of increased demand.
The Company, in full compliance with the legislative framework governing its activities, and through the many years of experience and high expertise of its personnel, responds and applies additional demanding criteria as reflected in the Technical Specifications, which it has drafted to ensure the quality both of the construction works and of the materials used for this purpose.
Additionally, EDA THESS, in each stage of the network construction works, implements Corporate Procedures, Instructions and has enriched the General and Particular Writing of the Obligations for the Construction of Natural Gas Networks of Medium & Low Pressure.
Along with the internal audits, all the gas infrastructure construction works are subject to procedures for the control, monitoring and certification of the quality of the Medium & Low Pressure Network and the quality of the materials used, by the Third Party Inspection Agency, with the aim of continuously complying with the legal requirements and the Technical Regulations.
In the context of the safe distribution of natural gas and during the operation and maintenance of the network, EDA THESS establishes and implements an annual Distribution Network Maintenance Program and carries out targeted interventions for the safe operation of the natural gas system.
In compliance with the provisions of its Distribution License, the Company has an integrated geographic information system (GIS), which depicts data of the natural gas distribution network and the corresponding background, which are constantly updated to cover all its needs.
It also has a telemetry, remote control and remote command system (SCADA) for the proper and uninterrupted monitoring of the natural gas network and its decision-making for intervention. The SCADA system is comprised of computers and other electronic systems for monitoring and recording the operating parameters, which are interconnected with the distribution system, via a telecommunication network, conveying uninterrupted signals and warnings to the recording and control points.
In order to ensure the smooth supply of the distribution network, the Emergency Intervention Service operates daily and on a 24-hour basis through the Emergency Intervention Call Center (10302), throughout the year (including public holidays), to which telephone calls are channeled for possible Malfunctions and situations requiring emergency intervention.
Focusing on the provision of high-standard services, for the safety and service of natural gas consumers, EDA THESS is constantly investing in materials, new technologies and human resources, which is the cornerstone for proper operation and the achievement of the goals that it sets.
