Originally published in 1983, Broadman and Montgomery present an agenda for further research into deregulated natural gas markets by relating natural gas production, transmission and distribution with the economic function of contracts and local distribution companies. This work raises fundamental issues that could arise with the deregulation of the natural gas industry and outlines analytical methods that could be used to predict any problems that might arise and possible changes to policy. This title is of interest to students of Environmental Studies and professionals.

This highly unique book focuses on market design issues common to most EU gas markets, particularly in the context of closer integration. It explores in detail the characteristics and requirements of national gas markets in Europe, which are constructed as virtual hubs based on entry/exit schemes as a requirement of European law. The expert contributors analyse gas supply and demand patterns in the EU, showing that both have changed following the introduction of liquefied natural gas on the supply side and the growth of gas-fired power plants on the demand side. The repeated interactions between the transmission operators activity and the gas commodity markets are addressed, as is the design of commercial networks in EU markets. The contributors also question whether the relationship between commercial and physical networks, in terms of the new flexibility requirements of users, actually works. By way of conclusion, two proposals for the EU gas target model are presented, both of which tackle the fundamental issues raised in this book, as well as the organization of short-term transactions and the mechanisms for investment in vital new long-life infrastructure needed to integrate EU markets. This volume will be of great interest to practitioners, as well as academics, researchers and students in the fields of energy economics and industrial economics. Both European and non-European energy companies and regulatory authorities looking for an independent and analytical overview of European gas markets will also find this book to be a highly valuable resource.

This work analyses key issues of a European policy and future regulation for natural gas. The structure and performance of gas markets and the organizational characteristics of gas supply, transmission and distribution are considered. The work examines how the regulatory policies of Member States differ substantially from one another and from most determinants of a European energy policy: differences in system of ownership on all levels of the industry; in degrees of concentration and integration; in market structures of supply and demand especially in access to natural gas sources; in regulatory policies and priorities especially regarding gas-to-gas and substitute competition; in regulatory instruments; in motions of national interest, optimal use and preservation of resources and investments; and dependence on foreign supplies. The development of Community law benefits from an appreciation of these factors, and experts from most EC member states provide a rigorous and thorough analysis of the issues.