• Minister launches website designed to improve gas management
• Gas Bulletin Board is a milestone for gas industry and consumers
• More information for industry, small business and broader community

Energy Minister Mike Nahan has launched a new website that, for the first time, provides the latest information on Western Australia’s natural gas production, transmission, storage capacity and demand.

Dr Nahan said the new Gas Bulletin Board website provided a snapshot of the availability of natural gas to meet industry and consumer demand.

Operated by the Independent Market Operator (IMO), the website also provides emergency information.

The launch of the Gas Bulletin Board delivers on recommendations of the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee in 2009, following the 2008 Varanus Island gas supply disruption.

“This private and secure page provides another tool for the State Government and the gas industry to manage gas supply disruptions that may potentially escalate into an emergency,” the Minister said.

The committee also recommended the annual publication of a Gas Statement of Opportunities to identify investment needs and opportunities in the gas sector.

“The Gas Statement of Opportunities provides a medium to longer-term outlook of gas supply and demand in WA, and identifies constraints in production and transportation infrastructure,” Dr Nahan said.

“This will promote planning and investment activities, supported by government policy.”

The IMO recently released an initial Gas Statement of Opportunities which it will publish on an annual basis.

“The Gas Bulletin Board and Gas Statement of Opportunities will help the Government deliver secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy,” the Minister said.

“These initiatives will also promote efficient operation, use and investment in natural gas, meeting the needs of the community and supporting WA’s economic development.”

Fact File

• IMO is a body corporate established under the Electricity Industry (Independent Market Operator) Regulations 2004
• IMO is also responsible for administering operation of the Wholesale Electricity Market in the State’s main electricity grid, the South West Interconnected System
• Gas Bulletin Board: https://gbb.imowa.com.au
• Gas Statement of Opportunities: http://www.imowa.com.au/GSOO