The Austrian energy system is based on complex interactions between various actors who ensure grid stability, energy distribution, and market regulation. Specialized institutions work closely together, from controlling electricity flows to billing energy consumption data. This article provides an overview of who these actors are and the roles they play.
Control Area Manager (“Regelzonenführer”)#
The European electricity grid is divided into control areas. The control area manager is responsible for maintaining the grid frequency of 50 Hertz in their control area. The processes involved are described under balancing reserve. For the control area of Austria, the control area manager is Austrian Power Grid AG (APG).1
Balancing Group Coordinator (“Bilanzgruppenkoordinator”)#
The balancing group coordinator monitors all balancing groups in the control area and ensures that the imbalance settlement is carried out correctly. They compare the scheduled electricity volumes (forecasts and schedules) with the actual measured values and determine the necessary imbalance settlement for each balancing group. They then settle this with the respective balancing group representatives. For the control area APG, the balancing group coordinator is Austrian Power Clearing and Settlement AG (APCS).1
Balancing Group Representative (“Bilanzgruppenverantwortlicher”)#
Each balancing group has a balancing group representative who acts on its behalf towards other market participants. Balancing group representatives coordinate generation and consumption forecasts within their balancing group and prepare schedules accordingly. They also receive the imbalance settlement statement from the balancing group coordinator and allocate the resulting costs to the members of the balancing group.1
Network Operator (“Netzbetreiber”)#
Network operators are responsible for the reliable transport of electrical energy and the operation of the electricity grids. They ensure that electricity flows from generation plants to consumers by managing grid operations, providing the necessary infrastructure, and handling grid charges. Since the electricity grid constitutes a natural monopoly, network operators are subject to strict regulation by the regulatory authority E-Control. A distinction is made between transmission system operators for large-scale electricity transport and distribution system operators for regional electricity distribution.1
Transmission System Operator (“Übertragungsnetzbetreiber”)#
Transmission system operators (TSOs) operate the extra-high and high voltage grid and ensure the transport of large volumes of electricity over long distances to regional distributors. They also handle cross-border electricity transit. In Austria, this task is performed by APG, which operates around 7000 km of transmission lines.1 2
Distribution System Operator (“Verteilnetzbetreiber”)#
Distribution system operators (DSOs) take over electricity from the transmission system and distribute it via medium and low voltage lines to households, businesses, and other end consumers. In Austria, there are currently 114 electricity distribution system operators operating a total of around 260000 km of lines.3
Market and Distribution Area Manager (Markt- und Verteilergebietsmanager)#
Austrian Gas Grid Management (AGGM) works as a market and distribution area manager closely with gas and electricity network operators to plan gas infrastructure, taking into account an integrated approach that includes all energy sectors.4
Regulatory Authority (Regulierungsbehörde)#
E-Control (short for “Energie-Control Austria für die Regulierung der Elektrizitäts- und Erdgaswirtschaft”) is the authority responsible for regulating the Austrian electricity and gas market.5