PC_2026_E_01 - Public consultation on the amendment to the implementation frameworks for two European electricity balancing platforms

On 18 December 2025, ACER received two proposals from the European electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) to amend the implementation frameworks for two European platforms for exchanging balancing energy. 

These frameworks describe the design of the Platform for the International Coordination of Automated Frequency Restoration and Stable System Operation (PICASSO) and Manually Activated Reserves Initiative (MARI). These European platforms help integrate European balancing energy markets by using a common merit order list to enable cost-efficient activation of balancing energy bids across Europe.

The TSOs’ proposals amend how balancing service providers (BSPs) participate in the European balancing markets. 

The main focus of the TSOs’ proposals is the harmonisation of the BSPs prequalification process, which ensures that power generation or demand units meet the technical and operational requirements to provide balancing services. The proposals also harmonise the procedure for amending the implementation frameworks for the balancing platforms across Europe. 

To inform its decision, ACER is consulting stakeholders to:

• Improve the harmonisation of BSPs’ terms and conditions across EU Member States.
• Facilitate BSPs’ cross-border participation in balancing markets by reducing the administrative burden and entry-barriers (while maintaining system security and reliability).
• Ensure consistent, transparent and non-discriminatory prequalification processes for all types of BSPs across the EU.
• Ensure the implementation frameworks for the balancing platforms reflect the evolving market needs and regulatory objectives.

Explanatory document for the harmonisation of terms and conditions for BSPs.

Amendment to the implementation framework for the European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with manual activation.

Amendment to the implementation framework for the European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with manual activation (track changes).

Amendment to the implementation framework for the European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with automatic activation.

Amendment to the implementation framework for the European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with automatic activation (track changes).

Privacy statement.

ACER will review the TSOs’ proposals to ensure they align with the Electricity Balancing Regulation and the Regulation on the Internal Market for Electricity. 

ACER will decide whether to amend the implementation frameworks by 18 June 2026.