The Future Role of DSOs

The role of the Distribution System Operator(s) (DSO) has traditionally been well understood and defined.
Distribution system operators (DSOs) play an important role in a well functioning IEM. The DSOs are responsible for secure system operation but are also a market facilitator. In the coming years, there will be new opportunities for DSOs to deliver benefits to energy consumers and the energy sector in general. Retail liberalisation, demand-side response arrangements, new technology, and distributed electricity generation as well as gas distributed injection have meant that the role and culture of DSOs has changed over the last decade and will continue to change.
This CEER consultation paper considers different regulatory tools to reflect the current differences in DSOs activity profiles, unbundling and structural and technical issues, and does not seek to impose a single regulatory solution for DSOs across Europe.