Pipeline Regulatory Framework

As the owners of the sole natural gas transmission pipeline linking the North West Shelf with customers in the south-west, DBP is required to operate the pipeline under an Access Arrangement approved by the Economic Regulatory Authority (ERA) of Western Australia. The ERA is WA’s independent economic regulator.

A copy of the DBNGP Access Arrangement approved by the ERA can be downloaded here.

The Access Arrangement sets out the basis for accessing spare uncontracted capacity on the pipeline. It contains a set of terms and conditions in the event that a prospective customer can not agree on a service with DBP.

It should be noted however, that existing firm full haul capacity of the DBNGP is fully contracted to shippers under contracts negotiated outside the regulatory framework. The negotiated T1 Standard Shipper Contract used by the majority of existing shippers is a firm full haul service. 

It should also be noted the Rule 111 of the National Gas Rules requires DBP to maintain a public register of spare capacity on the DBNGP. The DBNGP capacity register can be downloaded here.

For more information about accessing capacity on the DBNGP, view the Customer Access page.