System Operation

The System Operation Regulation

The System Operation (SO) Regulation sets out rules to ensure operational security, frequency stability, energy quality, and the efficient usage of the interconnected system and its resources.

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The SO Regulation also defines obligations for Transmission System Operators (TSOs), National regulatory authorities (NRAs), and ACER concerning the development of Terms and Conditions or Methodologies (TCMs), as well as describing their adoption process. TCMs establish the technical guidelines and rules to further define the provisions outlined in the electricity market regulations. Their aim is to create a common and harmonised regulatory framework within the EU and to ensure transparency and fair practices.

This page provides an overview of the TCMs developed under the SO Regulation and presents an indication of their implementation status.

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electricity infrastructure
  • Further updates on the implementation status

    The information on the implementation status of the TCMs has been compiled by ACER on the inputs provided by NRAs. It will undergo updates as soon as the relevant monitoring is conducted. In some cases, additional information or clarifications from regulatory authorities might be needed.

System Operation Terms and Conditions or Methodologies

Status of implementation

  • Fully implemented
  • Largely implemented
  • Partially implemented
  • Not implemented

EU-wide Methodologies

EU-wide methodologies are developed jointly by all TSOs or all Nominated Electricity Market Operators (NEMOs) at a pan-European level. They provide guidelines and standards that govern energy operations across all Member States.

    23/07/2020
     - 
    23/01/2019

    Connection of CCRs is expected to take place gradually between 2022 and 2026.

    18/04/2019
     - 
    18/10/2018

    Implementation of the amendments introduced in 2021 is underway and expected to be concluded by 2025-2025 (as it is linked to the implementation of ROSC).

    ACER Decision 07/2019 - 19/06/2019
    19/06/2020
    ACER Decision 07/2021 - 14/06/2021
    14/12/2021
    ACER Decision 08/2019 - 19/06/2019
    19/06/2019

    Regional Methodologies

    Regional Methodologies are developed by relevant TSOs or NEMOs at a regional level. These regions may span multiple countries or specific geographical areas within the EU and are tailored to address the needs and dynamics of the defined areas. 

      Methodology for regional operational security coordination

      Implementation is underway and planned to be concluded by 2025/26. 

      ACER Decision 33/2020 - 04/12/2020
      04/06/2025
      at least 04/06/2026
       - 
      04/01/2021
      16/10/2020
      12/11/2020
      at least 14/12/2021
       - 
      03/12/2020
      ACER Decision 34/2020 - 04/12/2020
      04/06/2025

      Implementation is underway and planned to be concluded by 2025/26.

      18/01/2022
      at least 2022
       - 
      01/07/2020

      Methodology for the definition of minimum inertia

      Synchronous Area Operational Agreement

      15/08/2019
       - 
      15/08/2019
      15/08/2019
       - 
      06/03/2019
      08/09/2025
       - 
      08/03/2023
      08/09/2025
       - 
      08/03/2023
      17/09/2022
       - 
      17/09/2021
      15/08/2019
       - 
      07/03/2019
      15/08/2019
       - 
      12/07/2019
      01/11/2019
      31/04/2019
       - 
      31/03/2019
      04/03/2021
      without undue delay
      12/07/2019
      31/04/2019
       - 
      31/03/2019
      31/04/2019
       - 
      31/03/2019
      01/03/2020
       - 
      01/03/2019
      15/02/2020
       - 
      15/11/2019

      Mitigation measures per Synchronous Area or Load Frequency Control (LFC) block

      Determination of Load Frequency Control (LFC) blocks per Synchronous Area

      11/04/2022
       - 
      11/02/2022
      07/09/2018
       - 
      07/09/2018
      02/02/2019
       - 
      20/11/2018

      ↓ See also

      Operation codes
      System Operation Regulation