The schedule is a tool for administering the exchange of gas quantities between two network operators. The schedules state how much energy (measured in kWh/h) is exchanged between the network operators at the network point and how much is fed in/out at the entry/exit point for each hour within the planning period. The schedules for all network points provide flexibility as regards quantity and operational planning for the entire network.

A substitute nomination procedure is a service which a number of network operators offer their customers. In this case, the network operator reports quantities to the Market Area Manager which are used as a substitute for nominations when defining allocation values. 

When planning and operating the pipeline network, it is important to measure exactly the local features of the site as well as the location and altitude of the supply pipelines. All measurement results and data are transferred to a geographical information system in which the pipeline documentation is produced.

The following aspects are important for supply security:

• the gas network must be able to fulfill the transport tasks
• robust regulating mechanisms must ensure that network stability is maintained even if gas entries and exits are not balanced
• the networks must be adequately secured against third-party interference (IT security)