Online Debate

Electricity network investments and the regulatory framework

12 December 2024

This debate will discuss how the regulatory framework might support the additional massive investments required in electricity networks over the next decades, by providing the appropriate incentives, manage risk effectively, continue to attract investors to the sector and protect present and future consumers.

The energy transition, to achieve the ambitious energy and climate policy targets that the EU committed to, requires massive investments in electricity networks. For investments at transmission level and for smart grids, EU legislation envisages a framework for identifying and promoting the projects of greatest importance for the integration of the Internal Electricity Market. However, a similar framework is not in place for distribution grids more generally. Moreover, the pace of the transformation of the electricity sector landscape calls for anticipatory investments.

In this context, a relevant issue is who is best placed to take the risk on investments against a still uncertain future: the electricity network undertakings or consumers, through the regulatory framework?

Draft Programme

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05 Introduction to the Debate

Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

14.05 – 14.20 The EU Action Plan for Grids: The Policy Perspective

Raphael Sauter | Team Leader, Electricity, DG ENER C.4, European Commission

14.20 – 14.30 The regulatory perspective

Mara Berzina | Secretary General, CEER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator: Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.30 – 14.50 Introductory remarks from the panellists
Carmen Reittinger-Hubmer-Ruck | Co-Convenor of the Economic Framework Working Group, ENTSO-E
Peter Claes | President, IFIEC Europe
Pierre Schlosser | Deputy Director, Florence School of Banking and Finance, EUI

14.50 – 14.55 Polls

14.55 – 15.20 Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.20 – 15.30 Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation