ACER has decided on the amendments of the implementation frameworks for the European balancing platforms
ACER has decided on the amendments of the implementation frameworks for the European balancing platforms
What is it about?
The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has revised and approved the all Transmission System Operators’ (TSOs’) proposal to amend the implementation frameworks for the European balancing platforms for the exchange of balancing energy from automatic and manual frequency restoration reserves (aFRR, mFRR) and for the imbalance netting.
In March 2022, all TSOs proposed an entity to perform the capacity management function for all platforms. This entity shall be a different one from those performing other functions of the respective platforms:
The amendment of the implementation framework of the mFRR platform also includes technical aspects, such as clarifications regarding complex bids and mFRR demand.
What are the benefits?
The implementation frameworks for the European balancing platforms provide the rules for the efficient cross-border exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with automatic activation (aFRR) and manual activation (mFRR) and for the imbalance netting. This fosters the liquidity of balancing markets, lowers the cost of balancing energy at European level by using the cheapest resources, and contributes to operational security.
What are the main elements of ACER’s decision?
ACER amended the TSOs’ proposals to further specify the designation of the entities performing the relevant functions of these platforms. In order to ensure the efficient and effective governance, operation and regulatory oversight of these platforms, ACER introduced several changes on:
- transparency and reporting,
- governance and decision making,
- cooperation framework, and
- operational aspects.
In particular, ACER suggested:
- establishment of a joint steering committee for all three platforms,
- requirements on the annual work program, and
- requirements to ensure proper fall-back and backup mechanisms.
The decision is in line with the objectives of the Electricity Balancing Regulation.
What are the next steps?
Following ACER’s decision, and within 6 months, all TSOs will designate CEPS as the entity to perform the capacity management function for the European balancing platforms for the aFRR, mFRR and the imbalance netting. All TSOs will implement the capacity management function of all three platforms by July 2024.
Access the Decisions 14-2022, 15-2022, 16-2022 and their annexes here.