CEER Welcomes the European Commission’s Grids Package
CEER welcomes the European Commission's proposal for a European Grids Package, which represents a significant step towards modernising the EU's energy infrastructure. We fully align with the Commission's efforts to lower energy bills, boost energy independence, and accelerate the clean energy transition.
CEER recognises the robustness and overall fitness of the current framework governing grid development in Europe. We underline that efforts should focus on the proper application of existing rules. Improved implementation can deliver greater results. Building on our public consultation response[1], we highlight that many aspects of the existing framework function well, including the top-down EU approach to identify cross-border needs, the current cross-border cost allocation (CBCA) framework, and resilience criteria for infrastructure projects.
However, our previous analysis[2] also pointed to specific areas where improvements can still be made:
- On Permitting: While recognising the need to speed up processes for Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest, we emphasise safeguarding legal certainty. For complex projects, sectioning could be considered.
- On EU Infrastructure Planning: We believe the ACER Opinion on Ten-Year Network Development Plans should be binding on European Network Transmission System Operators to ensure timely planning.
- On National Planning: As presented in our joint ACER-CEER position paper, the relevant NRA should hold approval powers over national transmission development plans for efficiency and coherence. Furthermore, national-level projects must support European priorities.
- On Transparency: Addressing the persistent challenge of electricity grid hosting capacity requires increased coordination, digitalisation, and standardisation of connections.
- On Investments: While acknowledging room for improving existing financing tools, we caution against premature reforms, pending our ongoing analysis of mechanisms like CBCA.
CEER remains committed to working with all European policymakers and stakeholders to advance an efficient, resilient, sustainable, and consumer-centric European energy system. We look forward to engaging in the ongoing discussions to enhance efficient grid development and reaffirm the need for full implementation of the existing legal framework while leaving room for targeted improvements to enhance delivery and efficiency.
[1] CEER Reply on the European Commission’s Consultation on the European Grids Package
[2] Ibid.
Press Contact:
Ms Ilze Rasa
Tel: +32 (0)2 788 73 30
E-mail: Ilze.Rasa@ceer.eu
