Topic overview

European Network Codes

On 3 March 2011, the third energy package came into force in the European Union as the new legal basis for the European energy markets, thus replacing the second package from 2003. The third package was created in particular by an agency for the cooperation of energy regulators (ACER) and an association for each of the transmission system operators in the power and gas sectors (ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G). But it also created stricter unbundling regulations for power and gas grid operators and enhanced consumer rights and strengthened measures in the area of security of supply.

ACER was tasked with developing framework guidelines on the basis of which ENTSO-E (for the power sector) processes network codes. These network codes define and harmonise countless regulations for the grid, including regulations in the fields of grid operation, grid connection, congestion management, and control energy. Furthermore, they form the basis for establishing a common European power market, which the EU is already hoping to achieve by 2015. In contrast to previous regulations, the plan is also to enable network codes to be declared as binding EU law in a multi-stage process.

As part of its membership in ENTSO-E, Swissgrid is involved in working on developing the network codes, so that it can represent Swiss interests. Swissgrid regularly consults with the Swiss energy sector via the VSE and specialised industry expert teams. In addition, the public consultations by ACER and ENTSO-E are available to all players in the energy sector so they can submit statements relating to the framework guidelines and network codes. This is all the more important since the network codes cover the entire value chain for the first time, from the generator to the transmission and distribution grids to the consumer, and they also describe the interfaces.

The requirement for changing a subsidiary NC implementation in Switzerland is to be raised in joint working groups with the sector and Swissgrid. The implementation of the changes will be carried out in line with the current responsibilities for the individual industry documents.

Industry document Grid Usage Model for the Swiss Transmission System

The «Grid Usage Model for the Swiss Transmission System» (NNMÜ – CH) is a central electrical industry document for which Swissgrid is responsible. It governs the commercial aspects relating to the usage of the transmission grid and forms the basis for calculating grid usage tariffs.

Grid usage model for the Swiss transmission system (NNMÜ-CH, in German)

¹ does affect office operations but not daily operations / these days are considered working days for the industry document SDAT

Matching of the schedules of ancillary services