New Gas Industry Structure
The Government had in March 2000 announced the restructure of the gas industry to support a liberalised electricity market. The Gas Act will create a competitive framework for the gas industry for natural gas and town gas, and make provision for the safety, technical and economic regulation of the transportation and retail of gas. The Gas (Supply) Regulations will regulate the safety in the supply to and use of piped gas supply by consumers and the licensed gas service worker scheme. With effect from 14 February 2008, the Gas Act and the Gas (Supply) Regulations will come into operation.

Work on Gas Appliances
Under the new Act and Regulation, the installation, testing, maintenance and repair of gas appliances, such as gas cookers, gas burners, gas water heaters, etc connected to the gas pipeline systems will have to be carried out by a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW). The LGSW will also be required to certify that the gas appliance is safe for use after installing or repairing it. Any one who employs or instructs an unlicensed Gas Service Worker to work on gas appliances will be committing an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment or both.

Gas Service Worker Licence is issued by EMA. The licence shows an EMA logo, a photograph of the LGSW and the validity date of the licence. There are about 370 LGSW and the list of their names and contact details are posted on the EMA website www.ema.gov.sg

Periodic Inspection In Multi-Storey Residential Premises
The gas transporter, PowerGas Ltd is required under the Gas Act to establish and implement a programme for regular and periodic inspections of gas installations connected to the gas pipeline systems.

The responsible person (e.g. owner of premises, management council, etc.) for a gas installation such as gas risers or gas distribution piping within multi-storey residential premises are required to engage a Licensed Gas Service Worker or a Professional Engineer to carry out inspection of the gas installations when notified by PowerGas Ltd.

For gas installations within individual residential premises, PowerGas Ltd will continue to carry out periodic inspections of gas installations.
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About EMA
EMA was established in the 2001 to forge a secure, long-term energy industry that thrives on healthy competition. New market structures have been created to promote competition in the electricity and piped gas industries. In January 2003, the National Electricity Market of Singapore commenced operation. In May 2007, the Gas (Amendment) Bill was passed, opening access to the gas sector. EMA will also continue to achieve cost competitive outcomes for consumers by ensuring a level playing field within the energy industry.

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