Since the mid-1990’s Europe has been working towards the integration of the energy markets at the continental level. Much progress has been achieved thanks to concerted effort of the European Institutions, the Member States, national regulatory authorities and other stakeholders, such as energy companies, transmission system operators, distribution system operators. The result is a comprehensive European regulatory framework that fosters cross-border exchange and competition to the benefit of energy consumers.

The FSR Summer School on Regulation of Energy Utilities in Ljubljana will provide an up-to-date and comprehensive view of the key regulatory principles, actions and implications of the current regulatory framework, highlighting the key challenges for the alignment of the industry with the policy goals of competition, sustainability and security of supply.

The Summer School balances theory with practice with key practical case examples illustrated directly by the actors and decision-makers involved, including former and current energy regulators, renowned academics and professionals from leading energy companies.

The aim of the training is:

• To provide a comprehensive view of the institutional structure for energy regulation and policy making in Europe
• To contrast the electricity and gas industries, recognising the common and particular challenges that each sector faces towards the completion of the European internal energy market
• To explore in depth the characteristics of the electricity and gas markets in Europe providing practical examples from Europe, North and South America
• To illustrate the European strategy for infrastructure development for gas and electricity through regulation and financing
• To demonstrate the challenges and new opportunities provided by the retail markets, active consumer participation and demand as valuable counterpart in the balancing of the system
• To discuss mechanisms to support renewable energy sources and ways for their development

• Theory and principles of regulation
• Traditional regulation
• Restructuring of the energy industry
• Wholesale electricity markets and power exchanges
• Single Day-Ahead Market Coupling and Single Intra-Day Market Coupling for electricity
• Regulation of electricity transmission and distribution networks
• Wholesale gas markets
• Regulation of gas transmission and distribution networks
• Fundamentals of energy tariff design and retail markets
• Regulating quality of service

After completing the course, the participant will be able to:

• Differentiate the European regulatory and policy making structure for the electricity and gas sectors.
• Assess the current state of implementation of the electricity and gas markets in the road map to  the internal energy market.
• Distinguish the particularities of the North and Latin American energy markets in comparison with the European energy sector (market and infrastructure).
• Characterise the European regulatory framework for electricity and gas infrastructure.
• Recognise the challenges behind the development of retail markets, identifying the key ingredients needed for retail competition with active consumer participation.
• Identify the basic principles for implementation of support mechanisms and new tariff designs.

The course starts from basic introductory material and then aims to cover the major subjects of energy regulation in depth. Instructors will provide lectures focusing on the key theoretical concepts complemented by real and current examples from the industry. Interactive tools and activities involving the participants are used to enhance the discussion and improve the learning experience.

The Summer School is a training course belonging to the Highlights Level, giving participants an introduction to the topic with the newest updates from the field.

• Take your first step into energy regulation.
• Gain an understanding of key concepts.
• Cover the most essential and interesting topics.

The training is designed for professionals from energy companies and representatives from National and European Regulatory Authorities, but also academics and researchers. The training is open for those looking to develop a career in energy market design and regulation.

No specific academic background is required although the knowledge of engineering or economics is recommended.

The training is given in English.

Please note that in order to provide the best interaction as well as to comply with the new rules on social distancing, the number of participants in this training course will be limited and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants will receive a response regarding their admission after the registration deadline.

The registration fee for:

• FSR Donors or National Regulatory Authorities: 3.100 EUR
• Other organisations or companies, PhD students: 4.100 EUR

The registration fee covers:

• Course attendance
• Certificate of attendance
• Coffee breaks, lunches
• Guided tour of Ljubljana and a group dinner in the city centre

Note: Due to the current health situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a final confirmation of the Summer School will be provided by the end of July.