Position of the transmission system operator (TSO) in the European electricity systems

In this paper the legal position of the transmission system operator (TSO) in the European electricity systems is considered. The TSO plays an important role in the (restructured) electricity systems. It has both to ensure a smooth technical operation of the system and to facilitate the development of the electricity market. First, the current and future European legal framework is described. Then, four TSO case studies are presented: France, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Finally, after analysis of these experiences, it is found that, for a well functioning electricity market, unbundling of transmission and generation is needed, as well as transparent, non-discriminatory rules for the conduct of the TSO. In order to create a single internal European electricity market, further harmonisation is needed.