Information relating to gas connections and gas consumption is routinely exchanged between gas market participants for a variety of reasons. Files are also exchanged between central IT systems such as the gas registry and gas allocation system as part of the orderly functioning of the gas market.
Specifying and standardising the format for information exchange creates efficiencies and allows participants to automate the production, transmission and receipt of information.
Four voluntary Gas Information Exchange Protocols (GIEPs) were developed in consultation with industry in 2010 and 2011. These GIEPs, which echo the equivalent protocols in the electricity industry for information exchanged between retailers and network owners, can be viewed below.
For more information, visit the Gas Information Exchange Protocols (GIEPs) work programme.
Consultation: 2025
In May 2025, we consulted on the introduction of addition GIEPs and reviewed the existing GIEPs.
Some of the proposed GIEPs addressed recent developments in the gas industry, while others were based on areas where additional Electricity Information Exchange Protocols (EIEPs) have been developed. Adopting similar protocols in the gas industry could improve the efficiency of gas industry processes.
The proposed GIEPs respond to the following developments in the gas industry:
- Advanced gas meters
- Gas Consumer Care Guidelines
- Use of System Agreements (UoSAs) between distributors and retailers
- Further alignment with Electricity Information Exchange Protocols
The consultation paper and submissions received can be viewed on the GIEP/Developing page.