Distribution System Operators (DSOs) have to reinforce and expand their networks in order to maintain security of supply and quality of service. Many technical options could be envisaged for that purpose, including traditional investment in cables and transformers, using consumers’ flexibility or improving network monitoring and control. In this new paper, EDSO call policy makers to fix the current regulatory uncertainty and to widen the range of technologies available to DSO in order to improve the power grid management and deliver better services to all consumers.

DSOs fully recognise the usefulness of seeking to increase the international market-capacity between European countries, without lowering security of supply. The Common Grid Model Methodology (CGMM) and the Generation and Load Data Provision Methodology (CGLDPM) are two essential elements of the Capacity Allocation and Congestion Management (CACM) network code. Nevertheless, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are surprised by the extensive scope of the foreseen methodology, and concerned by the licence TSOs intend to grant themselves for collecting data from grid users and other system operators. This joint response issued by Cedec, EDSO, Eurelectric and Geode lists the DSOs' main concerns and suggestions.

EDSO welcomes this publication from the European Commission (EC) on the preparation of a new renewable energy directive for the period after 2020. The current directive has fueled renewable growth and its recast should pave the way for a decarbonised energy future and limit the current regulatory uncertainty. Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are facilitating the transformation of the power system, by connecting most of the renewable energy sources (RES) to the grid. This role will become even more important as RES are expected to grow due to a combination of support schemes and declining technology price.

EDSO welcomes this public consultation in preparation for the revision of the ‘Energy Efficiency Directive’. In its response, EDSO focuses on the questions related to metering and billing (articles 9 to 11). In addition, make the following recommendations to the European Commission: avoid creating uncertainty for smart meter deployment; clarify the definition of “energy distributor”; enable DSOs to use system services.

EDSO has issued a position paper which posits a vision for a ‘Digital DSO,’ capturing the key messages of its recent responses to the European Commission's DG CONNECT consultations. The paper starts by identifying the digital trends facing DSOs. It then explains how its members are increasingly deploying digital technologies and data solutions associated with these trends to improve their business performance and customer service. Finally, it outlines the regulatory environment necessary to enable the development of digital DSOs.

EDSO has issued a technology specification for the minimum functional requirements for Smart Secondary Substations Lite. The purpose of this document is to provide technology suppliers with insights into the minimum functionalities of secondary substations and with direction for their R&D in order to design products that meet the needs of the DSOs in Europe. This document is a first step in starting a dialogue between DSOs and their technology suppliers.

EDSO has issued a position paper highlighting the need for distribution network tariff-setting to be adapted to the increasing integration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) and to the transition toward a more decentralised energy system. Within EDSO urges national regulatory authorities to consider a set of complementary recommendations when designing network tariffs for distribution system operators.

The European Distribution System Operators for Smart Grids (EDSO) welcomes the European Commission’s (EC) public consultation on security of electricity supply. Security of supply is a pillar of the European energy policy that DSOs have been entrusted to preserve and in which they play an important role. In this context, EDSO formulates four key policy recommendations for the European Commission and other policy makers.

The European Distribution System Operators for Smart Grids (EDSO) welcomes the European Commission’s (EC) consultation on a new energy market design, as it is a timely opportunity to present its proposals for revising the European regulatory framework for energy, or the ‘Third Energy Package.’ EDSO has formulated six key policy recommendations for the European Commission that it elaborated in its response.

EDSO welcomes the annual consultation of the European Commission on the establishment of annual priority lists for the development of network codes and guidelines. While EDSO acknowledges that after a difficult year in 2014, the EC has put back on track these important regulations, it believes the network code development process could still be improved.