Energy: internal market in electricity, cross-border exchanges, access to network. 'Electricity Regulation'

The Council held a policy debate 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 discussion also covered the following issues: - 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.�