Temporary measure to ensure safe grid operation in CWE and Switzerland during Winter 2018/2019

Dear market participants,

During the Pentalateral Energy Forum meeting on July 9th, ministries, TSOs and NRAs acknowledged the issues presented by Swissgrid on possible grid security problems in stressed winter situations. CWE TSOs, in close alignment with ElCom and Swissgrid, agreed that the only pragmatic and short term measure for winter 2018/2019 to maintain a reliable and safe situation for all parties is the introduction of a French import constraint by RTE in case security issues are foreseen in Switzerland.

The proposed French import constraint will result from enhanced coordination in the verification phase between RTE and Swissgrid. The import constraint will only be applied when required by Swissgrid. If required, it will only be applied on Sundays, and between 01:00 and 05:00 on all other weekdays. Application of this exceptional measure is limited to a total number of 100 hours in Winter 2018/2019, and will be accompanied by respective market messages.

CWE TSOs have provided the amended FB MC approval document to CWE NRAs on December 17th and are preparing implementation of the French import constraint by the end of January (provided it is approved by CWE NRA). More information, e.g. on the concrete date of implementation, will be published in January 2019.

Kind regards,

CWE TSOs