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System Operation

The System Operation Regulation

The System Operation (SO) Regulation sets out rules to ensure operational security, frequency stability, energy quality, and the efficient usage of the interconnected system and its resources.

The SO Regulation also defines obligations for Transmission System Operators (TSOs), National regulatory authorities (NRAs), and ACER concerning the development of Terms and Conditions or Methodologies (TCMs), as well as describing their adoption process. TCMs establish the technical guidelines and rules to further define the provisions outlined in the electricity market regulations. Their aim is to create a common and harmonised regulatory framework within the EU and to ensure transparency and fair practices.

This page provides an overview of the TCMs developed under the SO Regulation and presents an indication of their implementation status.

Show less

Further updates on the implementation status

The information on the implementation status of the TCMs has been compiled by ACER on the inputs provided by NRAs. It will undergo updates as soon as the relevant monitoring is conducted. In some cases, additional information or clarifications from regulatory authorities might be needed.

System Operation Terms and Conditions or Methodologies

EU-wide Methodologies

EU-wide methodologies are developed jointly by all TSOs or all Nominated Electricity Market Operators (NEMOs) at a pan-European level. They provide guidelines and standards that govern energy operations across all Member States.

Implementation Deadline: 23/07/2020

NRA Approval Date: 23/01/2019

Connection of CCRs is expected to take place gradually between 2022 and 2026.

Implementation Deadline: 18/04/2019

NRA Approval Date: 18/10/2018

Implementation of the amendments introduced in 2021 is underway and expected to be concluded by 2025-2025 (as it is linked to the implementation of ROSC).

ACER Decision 07/2019 - Decision Date: 19/06/2019

Implementation Deadline: 19/06/2020

ACER Decision 07/2021 - Decision Date: 14/06/2021

Implementation Deadline: 14/12/2021

ACER Decision 08/2019 - Decision Date: 19/06/2019

Implementation Deadline: 19/06/2019

Regional Methodologies

Regional Methodologies are developed by relevant TSOs or NEMOs at a regional level. These regions may span multiple countries or specific geographical areas within the EU and are tailored to address the needs and dynamics of the defined areas.

Methodology for regional operational security coordination

Implementation is underway and planned to be concluded by 2025/26.

ACER Decision 33/2020 - Decision Date: 04/12/2020

Implementation Deadline: 04/06/2025

Implementation Deadline: at least 04/06/2026

NRA Approval Date: 04/01/2021

NRA Approval Date: 16/10/2020

NRA Approval Date: 12/11/2020

Implementation Deadline: at least 14/12/2021

NRA Approval Date: 03/12/2020

ACER Decision 34/2020 - Decision Date: 04/12/2020

Implementation Deadline: 04/06/2025

Implementation is underway and planned to be concluded by 2025/26.

NRA Approval Date: 18/01/2022

Implementation Deadline: at least 2022

NRA Approval Date: 01/07/2020

Methodology for the definition of minimum inertia

Synchronous Area Operational Agreement

Implementation Deadline: 15/08/2019

NRA Approval Date: 15/08/2019

Implementation Deadline: 15/08/2019

NRA Approval Date: 06/03/2019

Implementation Deadline: 08/09/2025

NRA Approval Date: 08/03/2023

Implementation Deadline: 08/09/2025

NRA Approval Date: 08/03/2023

Implementation Deadline: 17/09/2022

NRA Approval Date: 17/09/2021

Implementation Deadline: 15/08/2019

NRA Approval Date: 07/03/2019

Implementation Deadline: 15/08/2019

NRA Approval Date: 12/07/2019

NRA Approval Date: 01/11/2019

Implementation Deadline: 31/04/2019

NRA Approval Date: 31/03/2019

NRA Approval Date: 04/03/2021

Implementation Deadline: without undue delay

NRA Approval Date: 12/07/2019

Implementation Deadline: 31/04/2019

NRA Approval Date: 31/03/2019

Implementation Deadline: 31/04/2019

NRA Approval Date: 31/03/2019

Implementation Deadline: 01/03/2020

NRA Approval Date: 01/03/2019

Implementation Deadline: 15/02/2020

NRA Approval Date: 15/11/2019

Mitigation measures per Synchronous Area or Load Frequency Control (LFC) block

Determination of Load Frequency Control (LFC) blocks per Synchronous Area

Implementation Deadline: 11/04/2022

NRA Approval Date: 11/02/2022

Implementation Deadline: 07/09/2018

NRA Approval Date: 07/09/2018

Implementation Deadline: 02/02/2019

NRA Approval Date: 20/11/2018

↓ See also

Operation codes

System Operation Regulation

Public Consultation

Forward Capacity Allocation

The Forward Capacity Allocation Regulation

The Forward Capacity Allocation (FCA) Regulation sets out rules on cross-zonal capacity calculation and allocation in the forward timeframe. Its provisions cover:

The FCA Regulation also defines obligations for Transmission System Operators (TSOs), National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and ACER concerning the development of Terms and Conditions or Methodologies (TCMs), as well as describing their adoption process. TCMs establish the technical guidelines and rules to further define the provisions outlined in the electricity market regulations. Their aim is to create a common and harmonised regulatory framework within the EU and to ensure transparency and fair practices.

This page provides an overview of the TCMs developed under the FCA Regulation and presents an indication of their implementation status.

Show less

Further updates on the implementation status

The information on the implementation status of the TCMs has been compiled by ACER on the inputs provided by NRAs. It will undergo updates as soon as the relevant monitoring is conducted. In some cases, additional information or clarifications from regulatory authorities might be needed.

Forward Capacity Allocation Terms and Conditions or Methodologies

EU-wide Methodologies

The methodology is implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 23/10/2018

NRA Approval Date: 23/10/2017

The implementation deadline foresees an operational and available CGM for the long-term time frames by June 2018 (13 months after the CACM CGMM approval). However, its implementation is still ongoing.

Implementation Deadline: 11/07/2019

NRA Approval Date: 11/06/2018

The single allocation platform is established and operating. The cost sharing methodology is implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 18/09/2018

NRA Approval Date: 18/09/2017

ACER Decision 09/2022 - Decision Date: 18/07/2022

Implementation Deadline: 18/09/2018

ACER Decision 05/2023 - Decision Date: 22/03/2023

Implementation Deadline: By the time of the yearly auctions for delivery in 2025.

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the amendment to ACER Decision 15/2021 in November 2021. ACER approved the amendment to ACER Decision 18/2023 in December 2023.

ACER Decision 15/2021 - Decision Date: 29/11/2021

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2022

ACER Decision 18/2023 - Decision Date: 22/12/2023

Implementation Deadline: 22/12/2023

The implementation is connected with the implementation of the capacity calculation methodology within the respective capacity calculation region (Article 10 of the FCA Regulation). As a result, different regions had different implementation timelines.

NRA Approval Date: 22/05/2019

ACER Decision 10/2022 - Decision Date: 18/06/2022

ACER Decision 06/2023 - Decision Date: 22/03/2023

The implementation of this methodology is linked to the implementation of the capacity calculation methodology within the respective capacity calculation region (Article 10 of the FCA Regulation).

ACER Decision 12/2021 - Decision Date: 04/10/2021

ACER Decision 07/2023 - Decision Date: 22/03/2023

Regional Methodologies

Long-term capacity calculation methodology

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

ACER Decision 03/2023 - Decision Date: 18/01/2023

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2025

The implementation deadline is dependent on Core an Nordic CCM implementation. Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

NRA Approval Date: 22/09/2021

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

ACER Decision 16/2019 - Decision Date: 30/10/2019

Implementation Deadline: at least 01/08/2024

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

Implementation Deadline: 30/06/2022

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2023

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

Implementation Deadline: 30/04/2022

NRA Approval Date: 27/01/2020

Different regions have different implementation timelines. The implementation of LT CCM for all regions is expected by the end of 2025.

Implementation Deadline: 14/01/2022

NRA Approval Date: 14/01/2021

Splitting long-term cross-zonal capacity methodology

The implementation is connected with the implementation of the capacity calculation methodology within their respective capacity calculation region (Article 10). Some regions have already implemented the methodology, whereas some others are expected to do so by 2025.

NRA Approval Date: 14/07/2020

NRA Approval Date: 03/04/2023

NRA Approval Date: 04/05/2020

Implementation Deadline: at least 01/08/2024

NRA Approval Date: 20/02/2020

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2022

NRA Approval Date: 28/02/2020

ACER Decision 32/2020 - Decision Date: 02/12/2020

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2023

Implementation Deadline: 30/04/2022

NRA Approval Date: 27/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 14/01/2022

NRA Approval Date: 14/01/2021

Regional design of long-term transmission rights

The regional design of long-term transmission rights is implemented in all capacity calculation regions where long-term transmission rights are allocated. Some changes from recently approved amendments are not implemented yet.

ACER Decision 15/2019 - Decision Date: 30/10/2019

Implementation Deadline: before first auction for the time frame 2021

NRA Approval Date: 09/06/2020

Implementation Deadline: no later than for the next yearly auction after approval (2021)

NRA Approval Date: 02/03/2020

Implementation Deadline: at least 01/08/2024

NRA Approval Date: 18/04/2018

NRA Approval Date: 04/04/2018

Implementation Deadline: 10/10/2017

NRA Approval Date: 10/10/2017

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2019

NRA Approval Date: 18/04/2018

Implementation Deadline: 11/10/2017

NRA Approval Date: 11/10/2017

Implementation Deadline: 12/10/2017

NRA Approval Date: 12/10/2017

Regional Specific Annex for the Harmonised Allocation Rules for LTTRs

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 02/12/2021

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 09/11/2019

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 11/10/2017

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 06/09/2018

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2019

NRA Approval Date: 26/11/2018

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

ACER Decision 06/2017 - Decision Date: 13/12/2017

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2019

NRA Approval Date: 06/12/2019

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 29/11/2018

The harmonised allocation rules are implemented. ACER approved the latest amendment in November 2021.

NRA Approval Date: 12/10/2017

↓ See also

Market rules

Forward Capacity Allocation Regulation

Public Consultation

Electricity Balancing

The Electricity Balancing Regulation

The Electricity Balancing (EB) Regulation sets out rules for the procurement, exchange, and activation of balancing services. Its provisions cover:

balancing-service providers,
exchange of balancing capacity,
integration of balancing energy markets,
harmonisation of imbalance settlement mechanisms and
settlement of common rules for exchanges between Transmission System Operators (TSOs).

The EB Regulation also defines obligations for TSOs, National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and ACER concerning the development of Terms and Conditions or Methodologies (TCMs), as well as describing their adoption process.

TCMs establish the technical guidelines and rules to further define the provisions outlined in the electricity market regulations. Their aim is to create a common and harmonised regulatory framework within the EU and to ensure transparency and fair practices.

This page provides an overview of the TCMs developed under the EB Regulation and presents an indication of their implementation status.

Show less

Further updates on the implementation status

The information on the implementation status of the TCMs has been compiled by ACER on the inputs provided by NRAs. It will undergo updates as soon as the relevant monitoring is conducted. In some cases, additional information or clarifications from regulatory authorities might be needed.

Electricity Balancing Regulation Terms and Conditions or Methodologies

EU-wide Methodologies

The RR platform is operational since 2020. Not all TSOs use the RR process, therefore they do not intend to join the platform.

Implementation Deadline: 14/12/2019

NRA Approval Date: 15/01/2019

Implementation Deadline: 10/03/2024

NRA Approval Date: 23/03/2023

The mFRR platform is operational since October 2022.

ACER Decision 03/2020 - Decision Date: 24/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 24/07/2022

ACER Decision 14/2022 - Decision Date: 30/09/2022

Implementation Deadline: 30/09/2022

The aFRR platform is operational since June 2022.

ACER Decision 02/2020 - Decision Date: 24/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 24/07/2022

ACER Decision 15/2022 - Decision Date: 30/09/2022

Implementation Deadline: 30/09/2022

The European platform for imbalance netting process is operational.

ACER Decision 13/2020 - Decision Date: 24/06/2020

Implementation Deadline: 24/06/2021

ACER Decision 16/2022 - Decision Date: 30/09/2022

Implementation Deadline: 30/09/2022

Not all TSOs intend to use standard balancing capacity products.

ACER Decision 11/2020 - Decision Date: 17/06/2020

Implementation Deadline: 17/12/2021

Each TSO should implement this classification methodology, once they join the respective European platform.

ACER Decision 16/2020 - Decision Date: 15/07/2020

Implementation Deadline: Dependent on each TSO

Each TSO should implement this methodology once they join the respective European platform for the exchange of balancing energy. The European platform for the exchange of balancing energy form replacement reserves applied a different pricing methodology (as it became operation before the ACER Decision 01/2020). However, the TSOs using this platform should implement this methodology by 1st July 2022.

ACER Decision 01/2020 - Decision Date: 24/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 01/07/2022

ACER Decision 03/2022 - Decision Date: 25/02/2022

Implementation Deadline: 02/07/2022

Implementation has not started yet.

ACER Decision 11/2023 - Decision Date: 19/07/2023

Implementation Deadline: 31/07/2025 at the latest

The implementation is on-going. An amendment to the single day-ahead coupling algorithm methodology (Article 37 of the Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management Regulation) is expected by mid-2024, which aims to further specify the necessary steps towards a full implementation.

ACER Decision 12/2020 - Decision Date: 17/06/2020

Implementation Deadline: 17/12/2021

Each TSO shall apply the relevant provisions of the common settlement rules once they participate in the European balancing platform for the exchange of balancing energy or the operation of the imbalance netting process. The TSOs participating in the replacement reserve platform shall implement and apply these common settlement rules by 1st July 2022.

ACER Decision 17/2020 - Decision Date: 15/07/2020

Implementation Deadline: 01/07/2022

Implementation Deadline: 22/05/2021

NRA Approval Date: 22/05/2020

Implementation Deadline: 04/12/2020

NRA Approval Date: 04/12/2019

ACER Decision 18/2020 - Decision Date: 15/07/2020

Implementation Deadline: 15/01/2022

Regional Methodologies

Establishment of common and harmonised rules and processes for the exchange and procurement of balancing capacity

The FCR Cooperation is operational and expanding.

Implementation Deadline: 01/07/2020

NRA Approval Date: 28/11/2018

ACER Decision 19/2020 - Decision Date: 05/08/2020

Implementation Deadline: 05/08/2021

Implementation has not started yet.

Exemption from the obligation to allow balancing service providers to transfer their obligations to provide balancing capacity

The FCR Cooperation is operational and expanding.

Implementation Deadline: 01/07/2019

NRA Approval Date: 28/11/2018

ACER Decision 20/2020 - Decision Date: 05/08/2020

Implementation Deadline: 05/08/2021

Implementation has not started yet.

Cross-zonal capacity calculation methodology for the balancing timeframe

Implementation has not started yet.

NRA Approval Date: 11/06/2023

Implementation has not started yet.

Methodology on the application of market-based allocation process of cross-zonal capacity for the exchange of balancing capacity

Nordic market-based allocation process is operational on the specified bidding zone borders.

ACER Decision 21/2020 - Decision Date: 05/08/2020

Implementation Deadline: 05/08/2021

Methodology for a market based allocation process of cross-zonal capacity for the exchange of balancing capacity or sharing of reserves

Methodology was approved but implementation was not followed up: no implementation foreseen so far.

ACER Decision 11/2021 - Decision Date: 13/08/2021

Implementation Deadline: 13/08/2023

Implemented and operational on most bidding zone borders of the Nordic CCR.

ACER Decision 22/2020 - Decision Date: 05/08/2020

Implementation Deadline: 05/08/2021

Implementation is to take place upon synchronisation with Continental Europe. Synchronisation expected by 2025.

ACER Decision 10/2021 - Decision Date: 13/08/2021

Methodology was approved; no application or implementation foreseen so far.

Implementation Deadline: 07/07/2020

NRA Approval Date: 07/07/2020

Methodology was approved; no application or implementation foreseen so far.

Implementation Deadline: 23/07/2022

NRA Approval Date: 23/07/2020

Methodology for an allocation process of cross zonal capacity for the exchange of balancing capacity or sharing of reserves based on economic efficiency analysis

No implementation is foreseen.

Implementation Deadline: 07/07/2021

NRA Approval Date: 07/07/2021

Common settlement rules for intended exchanges of energy as a result of the frequency containment process and ramping period

The approved rules are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 27/05/2021

NRA Approval Date: 27/05/2020

The approved rules are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 31/03/2021

NRA Approval Date: 31/03/2020

The approved rules are implemented.

Common settlement rules for all unintended exchanges of energy

The rules are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 27/05/2021

NRA Approval Date: 27/05/2020

The rules are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: without undue delay

NRA Approval Date: 15/06/2020

The rules are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 31/03/2021

NRA Approval Date: 31/03/2020

↓ See also

Market rules

Electricity Balancing Regulation

Public Consultation

Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management

The CACM Regulation

The Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management (CACM) Regulation sets out rules for the implementation and operation of the EU-wide day-ahead and intraday markets. Its provisions cover:

The CACM Regulation also defines obligations for Transmission System Operators (TSOs), National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and ACER concerning the development of Terms and Conditions or Methodologies (TCMs), as well as describing their adoption process.

This page provides an overview of the TCMs developed under the CACM Regulation and presents an indication of their implementation status.

Show less

Further updates on the implementation status

The information on the implementation status of the TCMs has been compiled by ACER on the inputs provided by NRAs. It will undergo updates as soon as the relevant monitoring is conducted. In some cases, additional information or clarifications from regulatory authorities might be needed.

CACM Regulation Terms and Conditions or Methodologies

EU-wide Methodologies

The MCO Plan is implemented once all bidding zone borders in the internal energy market are participating in the single day-ahead coupling and single intraday coupling.

Implementation Deadline: 26/06/2018

NRA Approval Date: 16/06/2017

The determination of capacity calculation regions is implemented. A future assessment is foreseen to assess the efficiency of the current CCR determination based on information from newly implemented regional methodologies.

ACER Decision 04/2021 - Decision Date: 07/05/2021

Implementation Deadline: 07/05/2021

ACER Decision 08/2023 - Decision Date: 31/03/2023

Implementation Deadline: 31/03/2023

ACER Decision 04/2024 - Decision Date: 19/03/2024

The methodology is implemented.

Implementation Deadline: 23/10/2018

NRA Approval Date: 23/10/2017

The implementation deadline foresees the common grid model to become operational and available for the day-ahead and intraday time frames by June 2018. However, implementation is still ongoing.

Implementation Deadline: 08/05/2018

NRA Approval Date: 08/05/2017

The methodology is implemented.

Implementation Deadline: at least 26/06/2018

NRA Approval Date: 24/01/2018

The methodology has been largely implemented. Implementation of certain functionalities is still pending.

ACER Decision 04/2020 - Decision Date: 30/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 01/08/2023

The terms and conditions are implemented.

ACER Decision 37/2020 - Decision Date: 22/12/2020

Implementation Deadline: 22/12/2020

The terms and conditions are implemented.

ACER Decision 04/2017 - Decision Date: 14/11/2017

Implementation Deadline: 26/06/2018

ACER Decision 01/2023 - Decision Date: 10/01/2023

Implementation Deadline: 10/01/2023

The scheduled exchange methodologies are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: at least 01/08/2023

NRA Approval Date: 08/02/2019

ACER Decision 10/2023 - Decision Date: 30/05/2023

Implementation Deadline: 30/08/2023

The terms and conditions are implemented.

ACER Decision 05/2020 - Decision Date: 30/01/2020

Implementation Deadline: 30/01/2020

The terms and conditions are implemented.

ACER Decision 05/2017 - Decision Date: 14/11/2017

Implementation Deadline: 26/06/2018

ACER Decision 02/2023 - Decision Date: 10/01/2023

Implementation Deadline: 10/01/2023

The implementation of the methodology is dependent on the implementation of intraday auctions. The algorithm methodology sets out the implementation of the intraday auctions to the beginning of 2023. However, the project of intraday auctions has been delayed and is now expected to go-live in June 2024.

ACER Decision 01/2019 - Decision Date: 24/01/2019

Implementation Deadline: 24/04/2019

The scheduled exchange methodologies are implemented.

Implementation Deadline: at least 26/06/2018

NRA Approval Date: 08/02/2019

The terms and conditions are implemented in all capacity calculation regions.

ACER Decision 04/2018 - Decision Date: 24/04/2018

Implementation Deadline: 01/01/2019

Implementation is dependent on CCM implementation within CCR, and MCO function developed at the BZB. The methodology is implemented.

NRA Approval Date: 15/05/2017

The implementation of different provisions is linked to the implementation of the capacity calculation methodology within their respective capacity calculation region, the implementation of IDAs and the application of cross-zonal capacity allocation for the exchange of balancing capacity or sharing of reservs, so different regions and provisions have different implementation timelines. Additionally, TSOs are required to further develop and improve some elements of the methodology.

ACER Decision 16/2023 - Decision Date: 21/12/2023