European gas network codes
Network codes: a European regulatory tool to harmonize the access rules to transmission networks
The network codes are one of the key points of the European harmonization and the development of an integrated energy market. They are a set of common rules of technical and commercial conditions for the access to the transmission networks of gas and electricity, which are equally applied in the European Union and facilitate exchanges between different marketplaces.
Beyond the rule book, the network codes are a real opportunity to simplify and to facilitate the access to the European gas market and to drive mechanisms strengthening the market integration.
The first network code developed by gas TSO’s in Europe illustrates the beneficial impacts of this harmonization. Indeed, this network code on “Capacity Allocation Mechanisms” provides the capability of allocating interconnection capacity thanks to a bid mechanism sized to European scale.
(Source : www.cre.fr)
Strong interactions between the European Commission, regulators and TSO’s
(Source : Gas in Focus)
The European commission is responsible for defining European Union (EU) priorities in the development of network codes.
The ENTSOG (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas), the European association representing TSO’s and gathering 45 members in 26 countries, was created by directive 715/2009 in June 2009. ENTSOG is in charge of writing network codes in accordance with framework guidelines previously defined by the ACER (Agency of Co-operation of Energy Regulators). The ACER, established by directive 713/2009, is the European organization of energy regulators.
Throught the enactment "Clean Energy Package", a set of European electricity regulations adopted between December 2018 and June 2019 and substituting the "3rd Electricity Package", and as part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission will propose new statutory regulations by June 2021, in particular a possible evolution of the provisions relating to gas (3rd directive) including an adaptation to new gasas of the network code for electricity networks, which could be extended to gas networks.
Each market player also contributes to writing those network codes. Many meetings are organized by the ENTSOG during the codes writing process: this measure allows all stakeholders to participate in the writing.
Network codes in force:
Capacity Allocation Mechanisms (CAM) is the directive 2017/459 of the European Commission Regulation. The CAM network code requires that capacities at interconnection points between transmission networks are marketed by gathering the output capacity of the first network with the input capacity on the second network (bundled capacities), and by bid-selling these interconnection capacities. In addition, these interconnection capacities must be sold by auction and on dedicated reservation platforms. Eventually gas isn’t delivered at border points but it is mainly focused on wholesale market places which increases their liquidity.
3 reservation platforms are implemented. GRTgaz is the co-founder of one of them, called PRISMA, created with the support of European institutions and regulators but also 19 TSO’s of 7 European countries. The CAM network code also includes provisions on non-existent capacity allocation mechanisms (incremental capacity process).
Balancing is mandatory since October 1st, 2015 (directive 312/2014 of the European Commission). The purpose of this code is to harmonize balancing rules on transmission networks (input gas quantities to match the delivered quantities) promoting market mechanisms and the intervention of transmission network users. These ones should be encouraged to contribute to any rebalancing by intervening on the market places. Residual imbalances are the responsibility of the TSO’s which have to use market places before physical tools (e.g. storage).
Interoperability and data exchanges is mandatory since May 1st, 2015 (directive 2015/703 of the European Commission). It stipulates to undertake harmonization measures linked with interconnection agreements, data exchange procedures and convergence principles regarding odorisation and the quality of gas.
Pricing is the directive 2017/460 of the European Commission Regulation and entered into force on May 31th, 2019. It describes processes for harmonizing tariff structures for gas transport.
As explained before, European Commission can choose to use the direct comitology procedure. That is the case for the Congestion Management Procedures" (CMP) published in the Official Journal of the European Union on August 28th, 2012 and came into effect on September 17th, 2012. They mean to avoid contractual congestion, that is to say, when all the transmission capacity has been subscribed without being fully used.
