The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has published its report on the tariff methodology proposed by Gasgrid Finland. ACER states in its report that ‘Overall, most of the information in Article 26(1) of the Tariff Network Code (TAR NC) has been properly published.’ However, given the specific situation of Finland and the ongoing FINESTLAT market integration, more transparency in the Inter-TSO-Compensation (ITC) mechanism was recommended.
The Agency welcomed the level of details provided, which allowed to assess the specificities of the Finnish transmission tariffs and the impact of the ITC. ACER acknowledged that the ITC mechanism necessary to support the FINESTLAT zone was well described in the consultation document. Moreover, Gasgrid Finland presented in the consultation document several scenarios, providing theoretical tariffs resulting from the application of capacity weighted distance (CWD) and postage stamp reference price methodologies (RPM) with and without the ITC. These scenarios allowed ACER to assess the quantitative impact of the ITC.
Regarding the requirement of ensuring non-discrimination, ACER has not identified any form of discrimination related to the proposed RPM in Finland. Also, ACER considers that a volume risk seems unlikely and the FINESTLAT market integration should favor cross-border trade within the region and that the proposed RPM complies with this requirement.
The Finnish Energy Authority (NRA) shall publish the decision regarding the tariff methodology by 1st of October taking into account the received opinions from market participants and ACER. The final tariffs shall be published by the end of November. A separate public consultation shall be organized before this deadline.