Regional electricity crisis scenarios to be better identified with updated methodology
What is it about?
On 8 March 2024, with its Decision No 02/2024, ACER amended the methodology for identifying regional electricity crisis scenarios.
The amendment proposal was submitted to ACER by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) on 8 January 2024.
What is the methodology about?
The methodology was first approved by ACER in 2020 under the EU Regulation on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector. The Regulation introduced a set of rules on how to prevent, prepare for and manage electricity crises, bringing more transparency in the preparation phase and during an electricity crisis and ensuring that measures are taken in a coordinated and effective manner.
The original methodology introduces a structured approach for regional electricity crisis scenarios (prepared by ENTSO-E) and national ones (prepared by national competent authorities) and thus serves as the basis for the development of consistent risk-preparedness plans. The Regulation also provides for the methodology to be updated where significant new information becomes available.
What are the main improvements in the methodology?
The key changes of the methodology are:
- A top-down process:
- starting with 31 regional electricity crisis scenarios (from 2020);
- merging certain scenarios or adding new ones; and
- focusing on extreme scenarios with regional impact.
- Earlier engagement of Member States and competent authorities.
- A more pragmatic approach: ENTSO-E to undertake quantitative methods and model-based simulations where seasonal adequacy tools can be applied.
What are the next steps?
Within six months, ENTSO-E shall identify the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios at regional level (including cross-border dependencies).
ENTSO-E shall do so in close cooperation with the Electricity Coordination Group (ECG), Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs), and competent and regulatory authorities.