How can Europe ensure a cost-effective use of grid infrastructure?

Energy Cities advocates for a resilient and affordable energy system that is based on decentralisation and decarbonisation. In this system – local stakeholders, including energy communities, local authorities, citizens and SMEs – play an active role.

In this context, Energy Cities warmly welcomes the EU Commission’s proposal on network charges, which aims to make an optimal and cost-effective use of the grid infrastructure and incentivise system-friendly consumption, among other things.

In a report containing data and examples, Energy Cities has demonstrated that non-fossil flexibility is essential for ensuring resilience and energy security and affordability, as well as offering a valuable alternative to expensive network expansion, and how local stakeholders can play an active role in this.

Our main points:

• Non-fossil flexibility is essential to ensuring energy affordability and making Europe more resilient
• Local stakeholders’ role in non-fossil flexibility is key
• Double financial penalties must be avoided for local stakeholders

Our asks for the legislative proposal

1. Smarter design of network tariffs
2. A fair trade-off between networks buildout and non-wire solutions
3. A right balance between flexible connection agreements (FCAs) and flexibility services
4. Smarter electricity sharing schemes
5. Support to interoperability and technologies that enable flexibility
6. Microgrids’ development to ensure resilience and free up network capacity
7. Inclusive capacity mechanisms aligned with decarbonisation goals

Read the full paper for details.