ČEPS extends deadline for capacity mechanism: investors gain nearly two months

ČEPS has extended the deadline for submitting applications for preliminary assessment under the Czech capacity mechanism until 18 November 2026. Applicants had originally been required to submit applications by 20 September. The change applies to the main Y-6 auction as well as the supplementary Y-5 and Y-4 auctions. The Ministry of Industry and Trade justified the move by citing conditions in the energy equipment market and supply chains, as well as efforts to expand competition among future capacity providers.

ČEPS announced the extension on 18 September, following a request from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO). The new deadline for submitting applications is 18 November 2026 at 23:59. The transmission system operator is to publish the next steps only after an amendment to the measure of a general nature, which the MPO expects by 14 October at the latest.

According to the ministry's letter published together with ČEPS's announcement, two main factors lie behind the change. The ministry refers to the current situation in the energy equipment market and supply chains, as well as ongoing discussions on options for expanding competition among capacity mechanism providers. The move is therefore not merely an administrative deadline extension, but also an effort to create conditions for broader project participation in the first auctions.