Brussels, 2 July 2025 – The European Commission (EC) published new initiatives to deliver on the Clean Industrial Deal and accelerate the energy transition. These latest publications include Guidelines for National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) when designing network tariffs and Guidelines for Member States when designating dedicated grid infrastructure areas.
Guidelines on future proof network changes for reduced energy system costs
With these new non-binding guidelines on network tariffs, the EC aims to support NRAs when designing tariff methodologies in a more decentralised energy system. The EC highlights the need for a significant shift in the way network tariffs are designed to ensure the existing infrastructure is best used and additional investment costs are reduced. The need for local contexts and that no “one-size fits all” approach are further recognised.
The main recommendations of the guidelines include a more cost-reflective approach to network tariffs; incentives for the reduction of peak load consumption by including a capacity element and the inclusion of time-of-use elements in the tariff design; the use of locational signals in network tariffs to steer investments in the right direction, the establishment of special tariffs regimes for specific grid users.
Follow-up actions with NRAs and ACER were announced to ensure the implementation of the recommendations, and the sharing of best practices.
Guidance on the designation of dedicated grid infrastructure areas
The new guidance aims to support the implementation of the REDIII by encouraging Member States to make use of the possibility provided under the Art. 15(e) to designate dedicated areas for electricity grid and storage infrastructure necessary to integrate renewables into the electricity system given the potential of this provision to further streamline permitting procedures by delivering derogations from certain environmental assessments.
The guidance brings further clarity on the scope of Art.15(e), the requirements for potential projects to qualify and the exemptions that eligible projects can benefit from. Almost all electricity grid infrastructure is seen as contributing to integrating renewable energy, and hence flexibility, digitalisation or modernisation of distribution and transmission grids could fall under the scope of these areas. The Art. 15(e) could therefore allow these projects to benefit from streamlined permitting procedures and derogations from certain environmental assessments when they are not expected to have a significant impact on the environment. The guidance further incentivises Member States to implement and make use of the provision, in cooperation with system operators. To that effect, the EC also shares good practices from some Member States regarding the establishment of such areas.
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