Extreme heat and electricity consumption: EU Coordination Group sees no risk but calls the situation critical

Brussels – Monitoring and ensuring the security of electricity supply in Central and South-Eastern Europe: this is the aim of the meeting that the European Commission convened yesterday (19 August), attended by the Electricity Coordination Group together with the Member States of the European Union, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), the relevant regional coordination centres and the Energy Community Secretariat. 

Against a backdrop of persistently high temperatures and water levels at historic lows, the discussion centred on how these factors are putting pressure on electricity generation and demand in these regions. Whilst confirming that the security of electricity supply is currently stable and that there are no short-term risks, the Group reiterated that the situation will remain critical in the coming weeks. In particular, the Group stressed the importance of preserving water flows in the Danube when national initiatives involving interventions in the river to raise water levels to support power generation are planned or taking place. The Group also highlighted the importance of continuing the close coordination with transmission system operators (TSOs) – that is, the bodies or companies responsible for the safe operation of the high-voltage electricity or gas transmission network at the national or regional level, moving energy from production sites to local distributors – and regional coordination centres. The aim is to ensure that the single electricity market continues to enable the flow of electricity to those countries where it is most needed. The Commission has stated that it “will continue to monitor the situation across Europe, support coordinated action where needed and maintain regular communication with EU countries and ENTSO-E, as well as with the Energy Community Secretariat.” 

The Electricity Coordination Group is a body of experts established by the European Commission in November 2012. It acts as a strategic platform to facilitate the exchange of information and coordination on policies and the security of electricity supply amongst EU Member States. The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity is an association bringing together around 40 network operators (such as Terna in Italy) from various European countries. It coordinates energy flows between countries, establishes common rules and safeguards electricity security in Europe. The Energy Community Secretariat, based in Vienna, is the permanent body supporting the implementation of the international treaty that aims to extend the European Union’s energy market to the countries of South-Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region. In the context of security of electricity supply, it coordinates risk preparedness policies, monitors grid stability and promotes the cross-border integration of markets.