Closed consultations until 2020

Baltic TSOs have commonly prepared Baltic Balancing Market Rules for operation with European mFRR balancing energy exchange platform MARI.

The Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 of November 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (hereinafter - EB Regulation) defines tasks and timeline for the implementation of a European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from frequency restoration reserves with manual activation (hereinafter - mFRR). Elering AS, AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” and LITGRID AB (hereinafter - Baltic TSOs) participate in the European implementation project for the creation of the European mFRR platform MARI.

Baltic TSOs are planning to join MARI platform to ensure that Baltic balancing market is an integral part of European mFRR balancing energy market. This can be done by applying standard mFRR balancing energy product characteristics and activation principles as defined in Implementation framework for the European platform for the exchange of balancing energy from mFRR in accordance with Article 20 of EB regulation.

Baltic TSOs have commonly prepared Baltic Balancing Market Rules which includes common requirements for Baltic balancing market and shall be implemented in order for Baltic states to comply with requirements of EB Regulation and join the MARI platform. Baltic TSOs provide clarification of mFRR balancing standard product characteristics, bid features and activations process in the appendix of the rules. Baltic TSOs also explain possible timing and scenarios for joining MARI platform in additional explanatory note.

The public consultation of Baltic balancing market rules for operation with MARI is set to be conducted during October 7 – November 7 of 2020 and materials are available in the web pages of Baltic TSOs (link).

Please provide your answers to the questions (in English) until 07.11.2020 by email to Gunnar.Pallas@elering.ee.

• Baltic Balancing market rules
• Explanatory note
• Appendix A. Description of balancing energy product characteristics
• Questionnaire for Public consultation on Baltic balancing market rules

Baltic TSOs have agreed to synchronise the Baltic power systems with Continental Europe synchronous area by the end of 2025. In order to comply with the rules in the Continental Europe synchronous area, the Baltic TSOs need to further develop the load-frequency control processes in the Baltic power systems and introduce additional balancing products. 

Hereby the TSOs are seeking input from stakeholders and market participants on the rules and approaches described in the LFC concept document. After the public consultation, the TSOs will assess the comments submitted by the stakeholders and adjust where relevant changes are sensible. Also, the assessment of comments provided by the stakeholders will be published. Please take note that comments received in the course of the public consultation may be kept anonymous, if the party providing comments indicates to remain anonymous.

Please provide your answers to the questions (preferably in English) until 30.10.2020 by email to:

• Elering AS – Tarmo Rähmonen Tarmo.Rahmonen@elering.ee
• AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” – Ivars Moisejs Ivars.Moisejs@ast.lv
• LITGRID AB – Donatas Matelionis Donatas.Matelionis@litgrid.eu

Should you have any questions please contact the respective representatives listed above.

Baltic Load-Frequency concept document

LFC concept_Executive summary

LFC concept_Public consultation questionnaire

From January 2020 Estonia and Latvia forms a common balancing zone consisting of Estonian and Latvian gas markets. For the functioning of common balancing zone “Common Regulations for the use of Natural Gas Transmission System” (hereinafter – the common regulations) (and “Common Regulations for the Natural Gas Balancing of Transmission System”) were developed by and between gas transmission system operators AS Conexus Baltic Grid and Elering AS (hereinafter jointly - the TSOs), which were coordinated by the national regulatory authorities of Estonia and Latvia and are fully applicable from 1st of January 2020 in the combined balancing zone of Estonia and Latvia.

The aim of this consultation document is to inform and ascertain the opinion of public regarding the proposed changes in the common regulations for the purpose of better regional market functioning.

The amendments to the common regulations are intended to enter into force 30 days after coordinated approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Latvia and Estonian Competition authority.

Consultation document is attached below

Please provide your feedback to the amendments (in English) until 17.03.2020 by email (electronically) to:

• AS “Conexus Baltic Grid” – Jānis Skubeņičs janis.skubenics@conexus.lv
• Elering AS – Kaisa Jette Särekanno kaisa.sarekanno@elering.ee

Should you have any questions please contact the respective representatives listed above.

Public consultation feedback summary can be found attached below.

Amendments to the Common Regulations for the Use of Natural Gas Transmission System_04.03.2020

Public consultation feedback summary_30.04.2020

Public consultation for the planning of the grid investments

In connection with the completion of the Balticconnector, we have commenced the specification of the transmission capacities for 2020 and the planning process with the neighboring system operators for the maintenance of the regional gas network. By now, it has become clear that both the Estonian and Latvian gas transmission networks in the next few years will require additional works in order to achieve the planned maximum capacity at Balticconnector interconnection point, which  at certain periods will require the reduction of the capacity of the Balticconnector in both direction to zero. These maintenances are expected to last between two and three months. In addition, there are works related to the Balticconnector project, which means a total interruption of the Balticconnector gas supply of approximately 25 days will definitely be needed in the summer of 2020. In order to plan the work optimally, it is very important for Elering and Conexus Baltic Grid to understand the expectations of market participants in the gas transmission between Estonia, Latvia and Finland by 2020 and 2021.
 
Based on the above, we would like to get your input for better planning of transmission system maintenances in 2020 and 2021, and would like you to answer the following questions:

1. In your opinion, what period of time for 2020 is the most suitable period for maintenance work to limit the transmission capacity of the Balticconnector?
2. Do you think that the long-term works planned in the Estonian and Latvian gas networks for the coming years, which will limit the transmission capacities of the Balticconnector, are more suitable for 2020 or 2021, and what time period could be used for these works?

We are waiting for your feedback on 20.11.2019 at the latest. Your statements are confidential and will not be disclosed to other market participants. Please send your feedback to Veiko.Aunapuu@elering.ee .

On 13th of August 2019 the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia has invited electricity transmission system operator (TSO) Augstsprieguma Tīkls AS to develop new methodology on cross-zonal capacity calculation to enable electricity trade via Latvian-Russian border after Lithuania will discontinue electricity trade with Belarus.

At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers instructed the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia to start work on the necessary amendments to the regulatory enactments so that the Latvian transmission system operator, in coordination with the Estonian transmission system operator, could develop a methodology for transmission tariff implementation for trade with third countries. The transmission service tariff covering the transmission costs of electricity import from Russia is subject to approval from relevant regulatory authorities

Augstsprieguma Tīkls AS and Estonian TSO Elering AS have in cooperation developed a proposal for a new common "Terms, Conditions and Methodology on Cross-Zonal Capacity Calculation, Provision and Allocation with Russia" (Methodology).

The Methodology will take effect at the time when Lithuania will discontinue electricity trade via Belarussian-Lithuanian border. Both the new methodology on cross-zonal capacity calculation and the methodology for transmission tariff implementation for trade with third countries are intended to take effect simultaneously, provided timely amendments to the regulatory enactments.

Before the submission of the Methodology to Latvian and Estonian regulators for approval, TSOs kindly invite interested parties to share their opinions, by submitting comments and suggestions on Methodology via e-mail until 18th of October 2019.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to following contacts:

• AST –  Mr. Andris Eglītis (Andris.Eglitis@ast.lv)
• Elering – Mr. Gunnar Pallas (Gunnar.Pallas@elering.ee)

Terms, Conditions and Methodology on Cross-Zonal Capacity Calculation, Provision and Allocation with Russia (Methodology)_07.02.2020

Methodology explanatory text_07.01.2020

Pursuant to Article 53 of the Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 of 23 November 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (hereinafter – EB GL), all transmission system operators are required to implement 15 minute imbalance settlement period (hereinafter – ISP).

As currently common Baltic balancing market with harmonized imbalance settlement is operated in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with 60 minute ISP, Baltic transmission system operators Elering AS (Elering), AS Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST) and LITGRID AB (LITGRID) (hereinafter – Baltic TSOs) have analysed required changes to implement 15 minute ISP in electricity markets operated in Baltic states and prepared Baltic 15 minute ISP implementation concept document (hereinafter – Concept document).

Concept document includes Baltic TSOs' proposal for implementation of 15 minute ISP with relevant changes to intraday market, balancing market, metering data management and settlement rules. Implementation of 15 minute ISP shall be completed by the end of 2020 pursuant to Article 53 of EB GL, therefore high level roadmap with involved responsible parties is also included in the Concept document.

Documents:

• Cover letter (link)
• Baltic 15 minute imbalance settlement implementation concept document (link)
• Questionnaire for public consultation (link)

Updated concept document and public consultation feedback summary:

• Updated Baltic 15 minute imbalance settlement implementation concept document (link)
• Feedback summary (link)

The TSOs of Estonia and Latvia have worked together and in co-operation with Lithuanian and Finnish TSOs to draft Common Network rules and Common Balancing rules to be applied in the common zone starting from 2020.

These rules have been drafted to be applicable in the common entry-exit system consisting of Estonia and Latvia.

Hereby the TSOs are seeking input from stakeholders and market participants on these rules. After the public consultation, the TSOs will assess the comments submitted by the stakeholders, update where relevant the draft rules and will apply for coordination of the rules to National Regulatory Authorities of the countries forming regional gas market zone. Also, the assessment of comments provided by the stakeholders will be published. Please take note that comments received in the course of the public consultation may be kept anonymous, if the party providing comments indicates to remain anonymous.

The consultation documents:

• Common Balancing rules (link)
• Common Network rules (link - updated 15.03)
  Consultation questionnaire (link)

The public consultation is opened until 05.04.2019. Please provide your feedback to kaisa.sarekanno@elering.ee (preferably in English)

*Old version - Common Network rules (link)

Public consultation responses and TSOs' comments:

• Balancing rules feedback (link)
• Network rules feedback (link)

Elering and Energy Authority Finland invite all stakeholders to take part in the public consultation for the parts of the Interconnection agreement that are relevant for external stakeholders, mainly for network users (shippers) based on INT NC article 4 section 1.

Main parts identified necessary to go under public consultation include matching process, capacity allocation, exceptional event communication. Input is welcome from all the stakeholders.

Consultation document can be found here (link)

The public consultation is opened until 05.04.2019. Please provide your feedback to kaisa.sarekanno@elering.ee (preferably in English)

We are seeking input from stakeholders and market participants on this important feature of the Baltic CCR at the Estonia-Latvia Bidding Zone border level. TSOs of the Estonia – Latvia Bidding zone Border AS Elering and  AS “Augstsprieguma tikls" are initiating this open online consultation for a period of not less than one month. The proposal is subject to consultation in accordance with Article 6 of the Commission Regulation (EU) FCA Regulation.

Please find the consultation document on ENTSO-E's web page:

https://consultations.entsoe.eu/markets/estonia-latvia-bidding-zone-border-specific-annex/consult_view

The results of the public consultation on the Baltic transmission system operators' position paper "Demand Response through Aggregation - a Harmonized Approach in the Baltic region"

At the end of the last year Baltic transmission system operators (hereinafter – TSOs) Elering AS, AS Augstsprieguma tīkls and LITGRID AB held a common public consultation on TSOs' position paper “Demand Response through Aggregation – a Harmonized Approach in the Baltic Region”

The objective of the consultation was to gather feedback from the stakeholders about the proposed market models for integrating explicit demand response and new market players – aggregators. During the public consultation TSOs have received eight responses from entities interested or involved in Baltic regional balancing market – suppliers, distribution system operators, aggregators and regulatory institutions.

TSOs would like to extend their gratitude towards all the stakeholders who participated in the public consultation. The feedback not only provides valuable insights in market participants' views but also helps TSOs to align the work on market framework development with the needs of the market participants.

After careful review of the feedback received from the stakeholders, TSOs have prepared a common response to all concerns and propositions as well as a summary report on key findings and TSOs' next steps.

Documents:

• Summary report on the key findings
• Detailed report on feedback received and TSOs' comments
• The report that was under consultation (“Demand Response through Aggregation – a Harmonized Approach in the Baltic Region”)

Should you be interested in participating in Baltic pilot study related to the introduction of demand response, please contact:

• Elering AS – Ms Karin Maria Lehtmets (karin.lehtmets@elering.ee)
• AS Augstsprieguma tikls – Ms Liga Sadovica (liga.sadovica@ast.lv)
• LITGRID AB – Mr Andrius Maneikis (Andrius.Maneikis@litgrid.eu)

If you have any further questions or comments, please send your inquiries to the representatives mentioned above.

Overview

The Baltic Gas Transmission System Operators (hereafter TSOs) AB Amber Grid, AS Conexus Baltic Grid and Elering AS under the umbrella of Regional Gas Market Coordination Group (RGMCG) hold common public consultation at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner on the “Principles for transmission capacity management in common Baltic gas market”, and the “Concept Model for the Coordinated Balancing Zone”.

Why TSOs Are Consulting

In line with development of EU internal energy market and development of regional gas infrastructure projects, Baltic countries and Finland work towards a vision of joint regional gas market by 2020. To achieve the vision, gas market involving Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (and Finland) must be reorganized by adopting clear and common rules for adequate functioning of the regional gas market. 
In line with the RGMCG action plan, TSOs have analysed the Principles for transmission capacity management in common Baltic gas market, the alternatives for the arrangement of various market related functions and the topic of whether taxation could have an impact on trading in merged market zone. Furthermore, the proposal for the concept model for the coordinated balancing zone has been developed.  Hereby the TSOs are seeking input from stakeholders and market participants on those proposals as an important feature of the future common gas market. After the public consultation, the TSOs will assess the comments submitted by the stakeholders, update where relevant the proposals and provide market parties with the assessment of their answers. Please take note that comments received in the course of the public consultation may be kept anonymous, if the party providing comments indicates to remain anonymous.

Overview of the Topics Consulted

Principles for transmission capacity management in common Baltic gas market

Analysis on the Principles for transmission capacity management in common Baltic gas market describes the capacity management principles to be used in common Baltic gas market zone. Capacity allocation principles and allocation calendar, capacity products, congestion management procedures, capacity restriction and usage of over-booked capacity have been analysed.

Overview on Analysis on Alternatives for the Establishment of Market Area Manager (MAM)

Analysis has shown that various market-related functions (e.g. handling of trade notifications, allocation of gas quantities at the Virtual Trading Point, calculation of balancing positions, handling of imbalance fees and settlement, capacity allocation in common Baltic zone, exchange of the data related to nominations and quantity allocation) should be centrally handled. There are many options for such central handling and the TSOs have evaluated several alternatives of MAM establishment from market, costs effectiveness, business and market development, business operation and management, and legislative perspectives, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages.

Based on conducted analysis, TSOs have identified two preferred options among all alternatives:

• The first option is a MAM as a new entity owned by TSOs. In this option, TSOs delegate their balancing responsibilities for one entity in a common market and newly created entity serves as a single contractual and contact point for all market participants for VTP operation and balancing.  In addition, it would manage joint portal for transmission services. 
• In case of the second option, TSO-TSO cooperation model, there would be one IT solution for the market participants, but contractual relations and responsibilities for balancing, VTP operation would remain with the TSOs. 

Both options need to be more thoroughly investigated to make a decision on the best one. However, TSOs already in current stage would like to hear the opinion of market participants and stakeholders on some questions provided in the questionnaire.

Taxation

The analysis revealed that current VAT and excise duty regulations allow implementation of common gas market zone in Baltic States, and no actions towards changes in tax related legislation and administration are proposed. 

Concept Model for the Coordinated Balancing Zone

Various aspects with regard to balancing have been analysed – including different functionalities that could be centrally managed, data exchange issues, harmonised balancing products and balancing rules. Operational balancing challenges have also been considered for the common balancing zone.

The consultation documents are provided here:

• Principles for transmission capacity management in common Baltic gas market
• Concept Model for the Coordinated Balancing Zone
• Consultation questionnaire

Please provide your answers to the questions, comments and opinions in English until November 23, 2017 by email to Airi.Noor@elering.ee. 

Should you have any questions please contact the respective representative via e-mail:

• Amber Grid AB – Mr Mindaugas Protas M.Protas@ambergird.lt;
• AS „Conexus Baltic Grid” – Mr Jānis Skubeņičs Janis.Skubenics@conexus.lv;
• Elering AS – Ms Airi Noor Airi.Noor@elering.ee.