Welcoming the new network code for Demand Response

In recent years, the EU has established a regulatory framework to support its decarbonisation efforts, emphasising the role of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and active consumers in achieving climate goals efficiently. However, DERs and demand response (DR) face barriers accessing various electricity markets, hindering their scalability across Member States.

To address this, a new Demand Response Network Code is pivotal to clarify regulatory provisions and ensure harmonised implementation across Member States, thus enabling the participation of DERs and DR in all electricity markets.

Despite facing barriers, such as those highlighted by ACER’s Market Monitoring Report 2023, this new network code marks a pivotal moment as it clarifies and harmonises regulatory provisions, ensuring that demand response and DERs can participate in electricity markets without undue obstacles.

We call on ACER and the European Commission to continue refining and strengthening this code, ensuring its effective implementation across the EU.

Moving forward, we urge ACER and the European Commission to keep the momentum going. Let's ensure this code:

• Promotes market-based flexibility procurement 
• Avoids protecting the status quo 
• Is harmonized, interoperable, and future-oriented 
• Recognizes the urgency of resilient decentralised energy systems