The German natural gas industry is currently undergoing a major change process that will continue for several years - the switch from L-gas to H-gas. Now the concrete realisation of the project is also beginning in Giessen.
The German natural gas supply is ensured by natural gas from different sources and differs in its composition depending on its origin. There is H or L gas, with L gas having a lower energy content than H gas. So far, Giessen has been supplied with L-gas, which mainly comes from German and Dutch deposits.
In contrast to H-gas, whose reserves are considered secure for the next 200 to 250 years, the supply of L-gas in Germany will be discontinued by 2030. This is partly due to the finite nature of the resource, but also due to earthquakes in the Netherlands caused by natural gas extraction.
All areas supplied with L-gas are affected by the decline in L-gas production. These areas must be converted to H-gas supply by 2030. In order to coordinate the changeover - also referred to in specialist circles as market area conversion - in the affected areas, the transmission system operators have drawn up a timetable with the respective changeover dates for the individual regions in the "Gas Network Development Plan" (NEP Gas). According to this plan, Giessen will be supplied with H-gas from 2020.
Most appliances that were previously operated with L-gas may not and cannot be operated with H-gas without further ado. The switch to a different gas quality therefore also requires all existing gas appliances in households as well as in commercial and industrial businesses to be recorded and then professionally adapted.
According to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), the respective network operator is responsible for these conversion measures. Mittelhessen Netz GmbH, as the network operator in the Giessen region, therefore undertakes the appliance survey and adaptation, irrespective of the gas supplier from which the end customer purchases gas. There are no direct costs for gas customers.
As a large number of appliances have to be converted at the same time, Mittelhessen Netz GmbH is working together with the partner companies Reitz-Topmann GmbH, Semoring GmbH, Bohlen & Doyen GmbH and ESK/Gatter 3 GmbH for the survey and adaptation measures.
The partner companies have started their work. In a first appointment, the existing gas appliances of all gas customers will be recorded. Mittelhessen Netz GmbH will provide its gas network customers with all the necessary information in advance.
Mittelhessen Netz GmbH is thus ensuring a future-proof natural gas supply in the region.
Warning against tricksters
In recent times, tricksters have tried to gain access to households in Giessen as well as in some other regions of Germany under the guise of the natural gas changeover or to lure end consumers to dubious websites via an e-mail message.
For this reason, only people with appropriate photo ID should be granted access to the household on the dates announced by Mittelhessen Netz GmbH.
Mittelhessen Netz GmbH would also like to point out that all information regarding the changeover from L-gas to H-gas will be addressed exclusively to end consumers in person and sent by post.