ACER - The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators
As an independent European structure which fosters cooperation among European energy regulators, ACER ensures that market integration and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks are achieved within the framework of the EU’s energy policy objectives.
The latter aim to create:
- A more competitive, integrated market which offers consumers more choice;
- An efficient energy infrastructure guaranteeing the free movement of energy across borders and the transportation of new energy sources, thus enhancing security of supply for EU businesses and consumers;
- A monitored and transparent energy market guaranteeing consumers fair, cost-reflective prices and the deterrence of abusive practices.
ACER is thus a central institution in the creation of a Single Energy Market to the benefit of all EU consumers!
The Agency's overall mission, as stated in its founding regulation, is to complement and coordinate the work of national energy regulators at EU level, and to work towards the completion of the single EU energy market for electricity and natural gas.
ACER plays a central role in the development of EU-wide network and market rules with a view to enhancing competition. The Agency coordinates regional and cross-regional initiatives, which favour market integration. It monitors the work of European networks of transmission system operators (ENTSOs), and notably, their EU-wide network development plans. Finally, ACER monitors the functioning of gas and electricity markets in general, and of wholesale energy trading in particular.