Framework Guidelines and Network Codes
Network Codes are specific tools for implementation of a single energy market in the EU. They include common rules for functioning and managing energy systems and are aimed at eliminating technical barriers for further market integration. These codes are formulated by ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G and must be consistent with non-binding Framework Guidelines set out by ACER.
The process of establishing Network Codes
- Within a period of time not exceeding 6 months from the European Commission’s request, ACER draws up non-binding Framework Guidelines. These guidelines set out clear and objective principles for formulating Network Codes and contribute to non-discrimination, effective competition and efficient functioning of the market.
- Within a period of time not exceeding 12 months from the European Commission’s request, ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G formulate a Network Code in line with appropriate Framework Guidelines. Network Codes include detailed principles of systems and market functioning and harmonization.
- Within a period of time not exceeding 3 months from receiving the code, ACER reviews the code and provides ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G with a justified opinion on it. Following ACER’s justified opinion, ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G may amend the code and resubmit it to the Agency.
- If ACER finds the code in line with the relevant Framework Guidelines, it submits the code to the European Commission and may recommend its adoption within a reasonable time period. Codes are accepted through a committee procedure, i.e. they must be approved by experts from all EU Member States.
- Once the comitology procedure has been completed, the code becomes legally binding and does not require implementation to national law (it has a legal force of a Regulation).
All parties that participate in the process of drawing up Network Codes are obligated to comply with the transparency requirements of this process and consult other market participants on the draft codes.
The requirements set down in Network Codes formulated by ENTSO-E/ENTSO-G should be also included in national network codes.
Network Codes and Framework Guidelines for electricity
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2015/1222 of 24 July 2015 establishing a guideline on capacity allocation and congestion management
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1719 of 26 September 2016 establishing a guideline on forward capacity allocation
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/631 of 14 April 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1388 of 17 August 2016 establishing a Network Code on Demand Connection
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1447 of 26 August 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/1485 of 2 August 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity transmission system operation
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/2196 of 24 November 2017 establishing a network code on electricity emergency and restoration
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/2195 of 23 November 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing
Network Codes for gas
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 312/2014 of 26 March 2014 establishing a Network Code on Gas Balancing of Transmission Networks
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/703 of 30 April 2015 establishing a network code on interoperability and data exchange rules
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/459 of 16 March 2017 establishing a network code on capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems and repealing Regulation (EU) No 984/2013
- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/460 of 16 March 2017 establishing a network code on harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas