ACER to decide on the amendment of the common pricing methodology for European electricity balancing markets

The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has received on 26 August 2021 all transmission system operators (TSOs)’ proposal to amend the common methodology for harmonising the pricing balancing energy and cross-border capacity across the European electricity markets. The methodology is used for operating the exchange of balancing energy in the EU platforms or the imbalance netting process. The amendment proposes a reduction of the technical price limits of the integrated balancing energy markets. 

What are the next steps?

ACER will reach a decision on the proposal by 26 February 2022.

To take an informed decision, ACER will collect inputs by discussing with TSOs and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in the course of the decision making process.

To collect inputs from all interested stakeholders, ACER will:

• open a public consultation from early October until early November 2021

• hold a public workshop (mid-October 2021)

What is the benefit of having a common pricing methodology for Europe?

The common pricing methodology for balancing energy and cross-border capacity provides the rules for the efficient and harmonised pricing of the balancing energy at European level, resulting from:

• bids activation

• cross-border capacity used for the exchange of balancing energy.

How does ACER contribute?

ACER ensures the decision on all-TSOs’ proposal is in line with the objectives of the Electricity Balancing Regulation and fulfils the legal obligations set out by its Article 30(2), as well as with those of the Regulation on the internal market for electricity.