ACER has decided on the methodology for training and certification of staff working for Regional Coordination Centres

The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has reached a decision on the methodology for training and certification of staff working for Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs).

What are the Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs)?

The Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs) are established by the Electricity Regulation and replace the regional security coordinators (RSCs) foreseen by the System Operation Guideline. RCCs cover the tasks carried out by RSCs as well as additional system operation, market related and risk preparedness tasks.

Their tasks include: 

• supporting the consistency assessment of transmission system operators' defence and restoration plans,

• carrying out regional outage planning coordination,

• carrying out post-operation and post-disturbances analysis, and

• training and certification of staff working for RCCs.

In performing their tasks, RCCs contribute to the achievement of the 2030 and 2050 objectives set by the climate and energy policy frameworks (particularly in relation to fostering security of supply and efficiency, as well as increasing the electrification of the energy sector).

Given the entering into operation of RCCs this year, ACER needs to adopt various methodologies related to their different tasks.

What is the methodology about?

In particular, the Regional Coordination Centre training and certification of staff methodology was adopted by ACER following the assessment of the proposal submitted by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) to ACER in February 2022.

This methodology prescribes the process to prepare and carry out mandatory training and certification programmes for all RCC Operators, including:

• explaining the roles and responsibilities of the RCC training coordinator,

• setting the key aspects to be covered by the RCC training programme, RCC joint training modules and joint training programmes, and

• defining the organisation, structure and requirements for the certification of staff.

How did ACER contribute?

ACER reviewed ENTSO-E’s proposal and ensured the methodology is in line with the objectives of the Electricity Regulation and fulfils its legal obligations.

Access ACER’s Decision 07-2022.