During the 36th EuroPOWER Energy Conference and the 6th POWER RES Conference, the Energy Regulatory Office and the five largest distribution system operators: Enea Operator, PGE Dystrybucja, Energa Operator, Tauron Dystrybucja and Stoen Operator signed the Charter for the Effective Transformation of the Distribution Networks of the Polish Power Industry.
The role of the Charter is to accelerate the development of the distribution system, which must be prepared for the increasingly dynamic development of distributed energy, with a large share of RES sources.
“Electricity grids are the basis for a successful energy transition but require large financial outlays and the right regulatory environment. The Charter is intended to contribute to ensuring a stable regulatory environment over a multi-year time horizon. The agreement is also expected to make it easier for distribution system operators to obtain funds for investments from sources other than the tariff, including applying for funds from the European Union budget”, emphasizes the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy.
The signing of the charter marks the completion of the first stage of work on improving the development of the distribution system. Work on the charter had been ongoing since 6 October 2021, when the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee of the Charter Development Team took place.
“The dynamically changing needs of electricity networks, mainly in the area of investment, are placing new expectations on regulatory policy. In such times, we need wise, long-term regulation based on the consensus of market participants. That is why the ‘Charter’ is exceptionally necessary in these times”, noted Rafał Gawin, President of the Energy Regulatory Office.
Robert Zasina, President of the Management Board of TAURON Dystrybucja, stated that the document is an important declaration for the electricity distribution sector, as it clearly defines the investment challenges facing the industry in the perspective until 2030, as well as the related financial needs.
Adrian Andrzejewski