Council endorses agreement to make Europe's electricity market more competitive and consumer-centred

Europe’s electricity market rules are being updated to improve the functioning of the market, empower consumers and pave the way for the clean energy transition. EU member states’ ambassadors approved an agreement with the European Parliament on a directive and a regulation on electricity market design. This clears the way for the final adoption of the two files, which are cornerstones of the clean energy package.

The deal with the European Parliament was reached in the early hours of 19 December 2018. Among the main elements of the directive on electricity are more rights for customers, who will be able to participate more actively in the market, as well as provisions on price settings and ownership of storage facilities. The regulation on electricity lays down rules for electricity trading which aim to improve the functioning of the market and facilitate cross-border trade in electricity. It also establishes the conditions under which member states can set up capacity mechanisms.

The European Parliament is expected to vote on the two files in March. The final adoption in the Council will take place after that. The texts will enter into force 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Original source: European Council
Published on 18 January 2019