The Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change placed in public consultation the draft Ministerial Decision laying down the procedure of international tenders and the conditions of participation of investors in Gas Companies in the regions of Sterea Ellada – Evia, Central Macedonia – Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
The respective Decision sets the framework for the tendering procedure, in order the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) to proceed as soon as possible to the notice of invitation to tender of investors, which will participate in three new Gas Companies, that will be jointly established by the Public Gas Corporation and the private investor. The investor will hold at least the 35% of the shares of the new company and will undertake the construction and operation of the natural gas network in the regions of Sterea Ellada – Evia, Central Macedonia – Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as well as the management of the respective company, whereas it is possible to acquire the majority of the shares, subject to DEPA’s consent.
Specifically, the Decision defines the stages of the tender procedure, the minimum requirements of the investors’ participation, as well as their selection criteria. The bids submitted by the private gas companies should include, inter alia, a financial offer which will be assessed by a weighting rate up to 80%, and a binding business plan which will be assessed by a weighting rate of at least 20%. Following the evaluation of the bids the project for each company will be provisionally awarded by DEPA to the contestant with the higher score, pending the establishment of the new company. The exclusive right for the development and the operation of the distribution system, as well as for supply related activities will be granted for 10 years in the areas of Sterea Ellada and Evia and for 20 years in the areas of Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
The public consultation ends on 20 September 2011, and DEPA is expected to issue the tenders beginning of October.
Edited by Tina Koutsopoulou