I don't use gas, but to remove a pipe I have to pay 5 thousand euros

Response by Arera, the energy authority

The local gas distributor is the company that owns the infrastructure up to the delivery point, i.e., the meter. If the pipeline in question only serves a deactivated meter, no longer in use, and no request for its reactivation is made, it can be considered an inactive or decommissioned system.

The cost of work on the distribution network is determined as set out in Chapter 3.2 of the "Standard Network Code for the Distribution of Natural Gas" by the distribution company based on a price list made public on its website or based on what is indicated in the estimate issued by the distribution company.

This estimate must be prepared in accordance with the provisions of the concession/awarding documents under which the distribution company performs the service, unless otherwise regulated by ARERA. If the fee for the work must be determined analytically and not as a flat rate, the estimate must include the various cost components, particularly those related to labor and/or third-party services, materials, supplies, and overheads. The appropriateness of the amount can be verified by comparing it with any expense items included in the aforementioned price list or by requesting a trusted specialized technician to verify it.