Energy: rules for the internal market in electricity. 'Electricity Directive'

The Council held a debate, on the basis of a questionnaire from the Presidency, on the key elements of the proposal for a Directive aimed at accelerating the liberalisation of the electricity and gas sectors. It was informed of progress on the proposal for a Regulation on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity. Following the discussion, the Council asked the Permanent Representatives Committee to examine the proposed Directive further so that it could be adopted if possible by the end of the year. The Commission also presented to the Council the outline of an amended proposal which it intends to submit very rapidly to the European Parliament and the Council. The discussion covered the following questions: - protection of final customers and universal service; - legal separation between the different activities; - activities in regard to non-eligible customers prior to total market opening; - principles relating to market opening; - regulatory tasks.�