italy: September 16, 2008

The Italian Gas and Electric Energy Authority (GEEA) has nearly decided to improve and increase “checks without notice” for distributors of the entire gas pipeline in Italy. As a result, starting on October 1st, there will be 20 percent more inspections for this year than the preceding twelve months.

The reason for this measure is to verify the correct application of the laws governing gas quality and safety by all of the country’s distributors. In particular, inspectors will have to check the correct recordings of gas consumption in order of odor, pressure and power.

Everyone understands, for reasons of safety, odor is very important in order to recognize gas dispersion. Since 1971, there has been a law requiring distributors to odorize gas in line with defined rules.

In the past four years, the authority has done about 200 inspections, specifically during the spring and winter periods. Of these 200 inspections, 11 cases of deficiencies were cited leading to the distributors being required to undertake certain corrections. It is reasonably believed that with more inspections, more deficiencies will be uncovered leading to greater pipeline safety and security.