Public consultation on the T&C BSP mFRR in the framework of the MARI project as well as on the Balancing Rules in the framework of the MARI and PICASSO projects and of the transfer towards the T&C BRP of the provisions regarding the imbalance tariff

Context

Currently the mFRR service is organized locally. In accordance with the Regulation 2017/2195 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (EBGL), all European TSOs must develop a European platform for mFRR Energy exchanges (“MARI project”). 

The connection to the mFRR Platform requires a thorough review of the service design to ensure that the local and European levels are well matched. The new processes were first described in a design note published and consulted between December 2020 and February 2021. This note has been updated several times, to reflect developments resulting from discussions between Elia and the various stakeholders. A new update of this note will be made available to the market during July 2023. 

In accordance with the roadmap drawn up in consultation with the Balancing WG of Elia's Users' Group, the implementation of the service changes made for Elia's connection to the European mFRR platform has been divided into two steps: 

• Step 1 (planned for Q1 2024): This step concerns the Local Go Live of service changes. The changes result mainly from the alignment of mFRR service with the standard energy product as defined by European regulations. This includes the generalization of the explicit bidding of mFRR energy, new timings for the submission and activation of bids, and new activation profiles.  
• Step 2 (planned for Q2 2024): This step involves connection to the European mFRR Platform. This connection affects the selection of mFRR energy bids and the determination of the price for activated mFRR energy. It makes it possible to activate energy bids abroad to meet Elia's mFRR needs, and to activate bids in Belgium to meet the mFRR needs of other European TSOs. The remuneration of activated bids is then determined by the European platform.

The documents subject to consultation constitute an updated version of the T&C BSP mFRR and of the Balancing Rules that include the evolutions foreseen for Step 1 and Step 2. The Balancing Rules also incorporate changes reflecting the sequence of connection to European platforms for the exchange of mFRR and aFRR, and changes linked to the transfer to BRP T&C of provisions relating to the imbalance tariff. Part I General Conditions of the T&C BSP mFRR was the subject of a public consultation in November 2021, common to all ancillary and system services, and was approved by CREG in March 2023. Consequently, these General Conditions are not part of this public consultation.

Consultation period

Elia invites all stakeholders to submit their comments and suggestions on the documents submitted for consultation.

The consultation period runs from July 5 to August 30, 2023.

After the consultation period, Elia will collect all comments and feedback from market players. Elia will analyze these comments and incorporate them into a consultation report, including Elia's responses. In addition to the consultation report, Elia will publish the market participants' reactions (including names) on its website, unless it is explicitly stated that the contribution is to be considered confidential.