A Common Definition of the System Operators' Core Activities

In this report a common definition of the system operator's core activities in the Nordic countries is identified and also a list of non-core activities is introduced. As a starting point the common tasks for system responsibility as identified by Nordel has been used for the work. The term TSO (Transmission System Operator) is employed as a common denominator in the report. It is found out that the TSOs carry out common core activities in the roles as a transmission operator, a system operator and a balance settlement responsible. The core activities for the TSO as a transmission network operator are: Maintain the adequate transmission system in the long run and network development plan on the national as well as on the Nordic level using sophisticated analysis and planning methods and tools. Plan the transmission network on the national as well as on the Nordic level utilising new investments, renewal and maintenance of existing network components so that the network is secure to operate and adequate transmission capacity is guaranteed. Aim at timely network expansions using enhanced information exchange between the Nordic TSOs, and on the national level between the TSO and distribution and regional network operators, large consumers and large producers. Secure the technical compatibility with networks across the border and within a country by establishing connection requirements on the national level and ensuring that the national requirements are compatible across the Nordic power system. The core activities for the TSO as a system operator are: Define common technical requirements for the secure system operation using common planning, operation, connection and data exchange procedures. Secure the system operation with the operational planning for the following year by using information exchange between TSOs enabling the TSOs to make the best possible forecast of the global grid situation in order to assess the flows in their network and the available transmission capacities and coordinating the maintenance operation across the borders. Exercise consistent and coordinated transmission capacity calculation procedures to secure the system operation for the day-ahead when establishing the capacity available to the markets. Implement common procedures for the congestion management in the case of congestions according to the EC Regulation 1228/2003 and guidelines under it. Secure the power system operation during the operational hour according to the binding operational agreement and utilising the available resources within the power system effectively with the help of measurements and control systems. Manage disturbances by proper system protection planning and activate remedial actions without delay using the automatic and manual disturbance reserves and automatic load shedding if required; in the case of the system blackout ensure the black start capability and rapid system restoration. Maintain balance between supply and demand within the operational hour by the automatic frequency control and the regulation market including demand response. Manage the shortage situation together with authorities by up-to-date action plans and agreements including enforced disconnections. The core activity for the TSO as a balance settlement responsible (not necessarily within the same entity) is: Execute the national balance settlement by setting imbalance pricing and settlement principles for imbalances and by setting routines for measuring and reporting. The core activities of the Nordic TSOs are quite similar. However, the organisation of the core activities under the legislative framework, and the way they are conducted is differently managed within the Nordic countries, just as the regulator's role is not the same in all the Nordic countries with regard to the supervision of the TSO.