Acts related to the introduction of Datahub for electricity retail market enter into force on 27 October
The legislative amendments required for the introduction of centralised information exchange services for the retail electricity market, the Datahub, will enter into force on 27 October 2021. These include the Act on amending the Electricity Market Act and the Act on temporary measures related to the introduction of centralised information exchange services in retail electricity market. The President of the Republic is scheduled to approve the legislative amendments on Friday 22 October 2021.
The Datahub will be introduced on 21 February 2022, but a five-month introductory period will begin already on 1 November 2021. The introduction of the Datahub will cause changes in the settlement of electricity supply in distribution networks and the retail market processes in electricity trade.
A centralised and standardised interface with electricity consumption data promotes the use of smart grids and meters as well as new business opportunities and services, including energy efficiency services, electric car charge operations and supply of demand response systems to the market. In addition, they facilitate the processing of decentralised electricity generation and increase competition in the retail market.
There are 77 distribution system operators and 64 retail electricity suppliers in the Finnish retail market. Around one million people move in Finland every year and more than 200,000 changes of suppliers take place. What is more, metering data is generated daily in 3.5 million metering points. Hundreds of millions of information exchange messages between suppliers and distribution system operators are sent in one year’s time. The exchange of information is based on standard electronic messages and procedures that the parties are obliged to follow.
The introduction of the Datahub requires that all distribution network operators and retailers launch the new centralised information exchange system simultaneously. The Datahub’s introduction is a considerable project in the development and integration of information systems. Electricity transmission company Fingrid Oyj prepares the implementation of the Datahub. It also guides and coordinates the preparations of electricity suppliers and distribution network operators.
The aim is that the change in the procedures between electricity companies in the retail market would not affect customer services or their availability during the introductory period. The purpose is to ensure the scheduled introduction of the Datahub and undisturbed customer access to electricity and services as well as to safeguard the functioning of the electricity retail market in case problems arise from the introduction of the Datahub.
The new legislation contains more flexible and more detailed procedures for addressing possible problems related to the Datahub’s introduction. In case of problems affecting customers, electricity suppliers and distribution network operators will provide customers with necessary instructions. In these situations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Energy Authority and Fingrid will also provide customers with instructions through various communication channels.
In the event of significant problems related to the Datahub’s introduction, the introductory period could be postponed by a Government Decree for a maximum of one year.
Inquiries:
Arto Rajala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 506 4828