The Working Groups are supporting the development of CEDEC positions and exchange best practices amongst members, in specific fields of expertise. As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, they now take place mainly through Microsoft Teams, chaired by company or association representatives or by CEDEC.
WG Digitalisation
The Working Group “Digitalisation”, chaired by Gert De Block (CEDEC), focusses on developments regarding digitalisation in the electricity and gas sector in light of the European Green Deal and the Commission’s digital agenda. Challenges in the fields of cybersecurity and data communication and protection will also feed into the discussion. In addition to new initiatives (i.e. Artificial Intelligence Act, Data Act) the group will analyse the interlinkages with reviews of existing legislative measures on related topics (Open Data Directive, ePrivacy).
WG Energy and Climate
The Working Group “Energy and Climate”, chaired by Gert De Block (CEDEC), will follow-up on the cross-sectoral initiatives related to the broader implementation of the European Green Deal.
Concrete legislative measures related to heating and cooling grids, such as the mainstreaming of renewables in the Heating & Cooling sector, will also be dealt with in this group.
WG Fit for 55
The Working Group “Fit for 55”, chaired by Gert De Block (CEDEC), is an ad hoc temporary group of experts, completed with Directors of national member associations, which ensure guidance of CEDEC positioning and advocacy activities related to the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” legislative package published in July 2021 and December 2021. Relevant proposals for CEDEC members include the review of the Energy Efficiency Directive, the Renewable Energy Directive, the EU Emission Trading System, the Energy Taxation Directive, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
WG Gas
The Working Group “Gas”, chaired by Isabel Orland (VKU – DE), focusses on strategic European gas topics that are relevant for local and regional gas companies and gas DSOs, including the integration of renewable, decarbonized and low-carbon gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, and the related review of the gas regulatory framework. The development of Network Codes for Gas will also be dealt with in this group. In 2022, the key priority of the group will be the Hydrogen and Gas Package, the Methane Regulation, and the implementation of the REPowerEU plan for enhancing European security of supply and diversification of gas supply.
WG Network Codes Electricity
The Working Group “Network Codes Electricity”, chaired by Marc Malbrancke (Synergrid – BE), follows up on the development, implementation and amendments of the European Network Codes for Electricity, and on the impact of those codes on DSOs. The group follows also the work within the ESC’s (European Stakeholder Committees) and the relevant related expert groups.
Platform Local Broadband
The new “Platform Local Broadband”, a new field of European activity that CEDEC is developing, chaired by Mikael Ek (SSNF – SE), will focus on contributing to monitor EU legislation in the area of broadband, telecommunication and related digitalisation aspects.
A thorough exchange between members will enhance the knowledge on respective national legislative frameworks, market situations and the role of local companies delivering broadband infrastructure and related services. This enhanced vision will strengthen and underpin the development of common positioning at EU level in this new field of ‘essential infrastructure’.
WG Smart Grids
The Working Group “Smart Grids” is chaired by Paul de Wit (Alliander – NL) and focusses on different strategic and operational aspects of smart electricity grids. The roles and responsibilities of DSOs, use of flexibility, as well as management and communication of data regarding smart meters, play a central role in the discussions. Additionally, implementation of key topics from the Clean Energy Package (2019) that are related to the work in this group will be further followed up in 2022.