Directive (EU) 2019/944 sets out common rules for the internal electricity market, focusing on consumers, retail markets, DSOs, and governance. It is part of the Clean Energy Package and replaces Directive 2009/72/EC. The Directive has applied since 1 January 2021, with some Member States delayed in transposition. The EMDR package proposed in 2023 includes amendments on retail resilience, dynamic pricing protections, and rights for vulnerable consumers.
It sets out rules on:
- Consumer rights and switching.
- Active customers and energy communities.
- Smart metering and dynamic pricing.
- Role and regulation of Distribution System Operators (DSOs).
- National regulatory authorities (NRAs) and independence.
- Integrated network planning and cybersecurity obligations.
Key proposals:
- Supplier of last resort rules.
- Stronger consumer protections during price shocks.
- Access to fixed and dynamic price contracts
- Improvements in metering, billing transparency, and data portability.