Today, ACER opens the public consultation on the draft methodology for its benchmarking assessment to compare the costs of gas transmission system operators (TSOs). Stakeholders have until 17 July 2025 to submit their views.
This public consultation is complemented by a public workshop in Brussels on 9-10 July 2025, which will further discuss the methodology and gather more input on the topic. Check the agenda and reserve your spot (free of charge).
What is it about?
ACER has been tasked with carrying out a periodic cost comparison assessing the efficiency of gas TSOs across the EU. The results should be taken into account by national regulatory authorities (NRAs) when setting the allowed or target revenues of the TSOs.
As natural gas is progressively replaced by low-carbon alternatives under the EU’s decarbonisation goals, transmission networks will need to adapt. This may require new investments which, combined with lower network utilisation, could lead to increasing tariffs. Ensuring cost efficiency is key to enable fair, affordable and sustainable energy systems, while supporting EU policy goals outlined in the European Commission’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy.
ACER’s first TSO cost efficiency comparison will be completed by 5 August 2027, with updates to follow at least every four years, providing a regular efficiency benchmark for national regulators and stakeholders.
Have your say!
Stakeholders’ perspectives are key to this process. The ACER efficiency comparison will provide an instrument to evaluate TSOs’ costs throughout the energy transition. The findings are expected to shape future discussions on key topics such as the evolution of network tariffs, infrastructure decommissioning, repurposing, and network planning.
ACER encourages stakeholders (including network users, end-users, consumer associations) to take part in the consultation and workshop.
Are you interested in presenting at the workshop? Let us know!
Read more about the ACER public consultation.
