Activity Report 2012 - Eurelectric

Should DSOs really be
exclusively in charge?
Jan PÁnEk, EURoPEAn CoMMISSIon
players to access all the data they need in a timely,
transparent and non-discriminatory manner. These data
come from metering operators, which are usually DSOs.
DSOs are thus best suited to provide the data to the
market players and to ensure a level playing field between
them – thereby also promoting competition.
JP Of course this can be a plausible option in some
circumstances. But I wonder if this model means that DSOs
themselves will not be offering new services to customers
and will leave the new business opportunities to others.
Also, so far many stakeholders are neither convinced
that this is the only possible model, nor that it is the
best option for many cases. Open standards and further
definition of the possible rules and responsibilities of the
market actors, including those from ICT/telecom sectors,
should be further analysed during the next months. In
this respect, it is important to include a strong, single
DSO voice in these discussions as well as in the work of
European standardisation bodies.
Ak We cannot forget that DSOs’ primary responsibility is
to ensure quality of service in their grids. In order to fulfil
those responsibilities in the context of new challenges,
DSOs need new tools, including more sophisticated
technical information from network customers. Smart
grids will allow them to gather these data and to use the
data to improve the operation of the grid. This is the key
value DSOs bring to their customers and the reason why
only DSOs can play the market facilitation role without
jeopardising security of supply. Meanwhile, the role of
suppliers and other market parties is to develop products
and services tailored to customer preferences.
JP We also cannot ignore other consumer security concerns,
in particular regarding data and privacy. Within the Commission,
we are very much aware of the challenges regarding data
security, privacy protection and cyber security. In fact, we
are working on some practical recommendations on those
issues that we would like to finalise early next year.
Ak As regards data security and privacy, customers
will always remain in full control of their personal data.
Moreover, the storage of aggregated consumer data in
a regulated environment enables effective verification
and validation of privacy, quality and security.
JP In this respect, it is also important that DSOs as
system operators are adequately involved in the work of
our Task Force Smart Grids. Given the positive experience
of working with EURELECTRIC and other stakeholders in
that grouping, I am sure that good solutions can be found.
Smart Grid Standardisation: Work in Progress
In March 2011, the European Commission mandated the three European standardisation bodies CEn,
CEnELEC and ETSI to develop standards in support of European smart grid deployment, within a challenging
timeframe of 18 months. The process involves a multitude of standardisation experts from many different
sectors along the value chain – from generators and network operators to ICT companies and equipment
manufacturers. In order to cope with this large and complex exercise a Smart Grid Coordination Group was
set up to steer and support the work. A first set of standards for smart grids was made available by the end
of 2012, and the standardisation process will continue in the year ahead.
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