27 July 2010: Consultation on the implementation of the EU Third Internal Energy Package
Reference Number: 10D/727
Open Date: 2010-07-27
Close Date: 2010-10-19
This consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the UK energy market framework that are required in order to reach compliance with the EU Third Internal Energy Package. It takes into account advice received in response to the preceding Call for Evidence issued on 1 April 2010.
- Preceding Call for Evidence and the Third Package Directives and Regulations
The EU Third Package came into force on the 3 September 2009 and furthers the development of an open and fair internal energy market established through previous EU legislation. Key intentions are to enhance consumer protection, improve the functioning of the energy markets, enhance cross-border co-operation, and strengthen the role of independent regulators.
This consultation sets out the new requirements arising from the Third Package, the extent to which the GB framework is already in compliance, and puts forward the Government’s proposals for those cases where changes are required. It is structured according to five key areas where the Government believes there are provisions to be addressed:
- Consumer protection
- Transmission and distribution networks
- Gas infrastructure
- Role of the National Regulatory Authority
- Cross-border co-operation
This consultation is an important opportunity for any interested parties to raise views and concerns regarding the implementation of the Third Package in the UK. It will be particularly helpful to know what impact the proposals are likely to have for those working in the electricity and gas industry, consumers of electricity and gas and their representatives, industry trade organisations, and environmental and energy efficiency organisations. However all feedback is welcome and appreciated.
Once feedback has been considered, the Government will be issuing a response and final Impact Assessments. The Impact Assessments capture DECC’s initial high-level analysis of the rational for intervention and the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of the Third Package. As the UK is largely compliant with the Third Package, the most significant benefits to the UK will derive from the compliance of other member states. We would welcome any quantitative evidence to support the further development of these impact assessments.
It is intended the regulations and the required legislation will be made in time to enter into force by the implementation date of 3rd March 2011.
The deadline for responses to the consultation is 19 October 2010. Details about submitting a response can be found in the ‘How to take part’ section of the document. For information and queries please contact us at: third.package@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Erratum: to the Consultation on the Implementation of the EU Third Internal Energy Package, chapter 2, paragraph 2.14, published on 27 July
We regret that paragraph 2.14 in Chapter 2 "Transmission and Distribution Networks" includes a reference to article 36 in the Gas Directive. This reference should be omitted from that paragraph. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
The electronic version posted has been changed to remove this error.
Post-consultation documents
The response to this consultation is available from the: Government response: Implementation of the EU Third Internal Energy Package web page.
Consultation documents