In recent weeks much attention has been paid to the Climate Packet which is of key importance to the Polish economy. Yet, it is worth reminding that the works on the Third Liberalisation Package are still underway in the European Union. This document will have a significant impact on the European energy market and will force numerous enterprises to change their operation manner.

The Importance of Liberalisation Package

The essential aim of the European Commission is to secure a true choice of energy provider and possibility of provider change for each European Union citizen. Therefore the competition between particular companies on the energy and gas market will increase. Separation of energy and gas transmission grids proprietorship from energy production and delivery is a way to achieve the assumed goal. Many big strongly integrated EU power companies will be covered by these regulations and forced to change the ways they operate which undoubtedly will alter the image of the European energy market.

Works on the Third Liberalisation Package

The proposition of the Third Liberalisation Package was submitted by the European Commission as early as in September 2007. The talks concerning the presented endowments were continuously held. A big step towards the Package acceptance was made in Luxemburg on October 10th 2008 alongside the agreement during the meeting of energy industry ministers of the EU member states. Among other, it was agreed that energy manufacturers or distributors will not be allowed to own a control packet of shares of Transmission Grid Operator in those countries in which full proprietorship separation applies. National regulatory authorities can deny certificates to such investors if they do not comply with union requirements within the scope
of activities separation or in a situation of member state or Union power security threat. It was also decided to bring the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators into existence which will regulate the operations on the energy markets.

Further Steps

The Commission proposition will be forwarded to the European Parliament at the beginning of December. The second reading of the Package is planned in the spring 2009 before the Parliament dissolution and new elections.

STANISŁAW TOKARSKI
stanislaw.tokarski@tauron.com.pl
JERZY JANIKOWSKI
jerzy.janikowski@tauron.com.pl