Transmission system operators (TSOs) for electricity are all set to found a new association to comply with the future legislative package on energy markets. The directives, as proposed by the European Commission in September 2007, foresee a European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E). Meeting in Prague, on 27 June, the CEOs of 36 European TSO companies from 31 countries signed a declaration of intent committing them to creating the association before the end of the year. According to the European Transmission System Operators (ETSO), the new body will follow the principles set out in the still to be adopted third legislative package on the internal energy market. CEOs of TSO companies will present proposals to the existing TSO associations ⁽¹⁾, to begin transferring activities to the new TSO body. Existing associations will then cease operations.

By reacting pro-actively, TSOs hope to be in a better position when the Council and the European Parliament begin the second reading of the legislative proposals on the electricity market in the autumn. According to the ETSO, binding TSO membership in the ENTSO-E will accelerate development of technical and market-related network codes as well as the coordination of system operation and grid development. The argument is that, under a binding ENTSO-E, with a clear mandate and consulting with the Commission and European regulators, TSOs will be able to focus on transparent objectives and speak with one voice.