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Information exchange
Information relating to gas connections (ICPs) 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.
In 2010, Gas Industry Co appointed the Information Exchange File Formats Working Group (IEFFWG) to create file formats required under governance arrangements, propose changes to existing file formats and develop further protocols for exchanges of information between industry participants. This led to the development of the four current GIEPs.
While the file formats are not mandated under any regulatory arrangements, they are provided as a guideline, in order to support improvement of industry practices.
Proposals for substantial changes to file formats, or newly developed file formats, will generally be subject to broader industry consultation.
Consultation 2025
In May 2025, we consulted on the introduction of addition GIEPs and reviewed the existing GIEPs.
For more information, visit the Developing page.
Current GIEPs
File formats that have been approved by the Information Exchange File Formats Working Group are set out below. The file formats echo the equivalent protocols in the electricity industry and incorporate changes resulting from industry consultation in 2010/2011.
Related documents
Background
2010 Consultation on proposed information exchange file formats
In 2010, Gas Industry Co invited submissions on four file formats proposed by the Information Exchange File Formats Working Group.
Use of these file formats is not mandated by any set of governance arrangements, but equivalent protocols are currently used in the electricity industry for exchanges of information between retailers and network owners.
Related documents
Submissions
Developing
Gas Information Exchange Protocols (GIEPs) specify and standardise the format for exchanging information between gas industry participants.
Consultation: 2025
In May 2025, we consulted on the introduction of additional GIEPs and reviewed the existing GIEPs.
This consultation is now closed and a summary of the submissions received will be published by Friday, 11 July 2025. We will update participants on the drafting of protocols and any consultation or workshops planned as part of this process.
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 are available below.