Policy Paper
08.01.2026
Electricity

CEER paper on Electricity “Smart Grid” Performance Indicators

CEER's paper ‘Electricity “Smart Grid” Performance Indicators’, provides National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) with a structured framework and a limited set of output indicators to support the monitoring and assessment of electricity network performance.

The CEER paper follows up on the joint ACER–CEER guidance paper of June 2024 and focuses on electricity distribution networks. It runs in parallel with the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)’s position paper on smart grid performance indicators for electricity transmission, which introduces output indicators to assess the performance of grid-enhancing technologies at transmission level.

CEER paper identifies six key dimensions of network performance:

  • Integration of renewable energy generation;
  • Integration of increased electrification of energy uses;
  • Continuity of supply and resilience to extreme events;
  • Other quality of supply objectives;
  • Energy efficiency;
  • Data made available to market participants.

The proposed indicators are intended to support effective regulatory oversight in the context of the clean energy transition, increasing electrification, and growing system complexity. They are designed as a starting point for NRAs, recognising national specificities and differing levels of network maturity across Europe.

Importantly, CEER underlines that the indicators are not static. They are expected to be tested, refined and, where necessary, adjusted over time, as experience is gained through their application and as data availability, methodologies and regulatory practices further develop.

Overall, the performance evaluation process enables NRAs to assess historical performance and its evolution, establish the current situation and adopt a prospective vision to set desired targets and objectives, leveraging network development plans and system operator business plans.

 

Electricity networks are essential to achieving the clean energy transition and supporting economic growth. Increasing electrification, the integration of renewable energy sources and the growing complexity of electricity systems require appropriate regulatory oversight.