Belgian, Dutch and French energy regulators launch a consultation on regional market integration

Integration of electricity markets can improve liquidity, security of supply and price stability for the three countries. The objective of regional market integration is maximum availability of cross-border capacity and efficient cross border trade, to the benefit of Belgian, Dutch and French consumers.

The consultation document covers a wide range of issues, for example trading of cross-border capacity, market transparency, market power and cooperation between regulators. The consultation takes into account the differences in design and rules of the three markets.

The CREG, CRE and DTe invite relevant market parties to send in their answers, observations, commentaries or recommendations on these important issues, preferably in English and no later than Monday 5 September 2005. The market parties' contributions will help the three regulators to define a common approach for the progressive regional integration of the three markets.

This common approach, planned for October 2005, will result in a joint synthesis of contributions from stakeholders and a common 'Roadmap' for implementing the different steps of the regional integration in the three countries. Implementation of the first step is aimed for January 2006. CREG, CRE and DTe hope to expand this unique initiative to other neighbouring countries in the near future.

Note for journalists from Belgium:

For more information please contact, Mr Tom Vanden Borre (Chief Counselor)

Tel: + 32 (0)2 289 7680, direct e-mail address: tom [punt] vandenborre [at] creg [punt] be.

Note for journalists from France: