Czech TSO ČEPS signs engagement pact

The Czech Republic’s transmission system operator ČEPS today joined the “Engagement Pact” in Brussels during PCI Energy Days, organized by the European Commission. The document calls in particular for meaningful and responsible stakeholder engagement in the development of energy infrastructure.

The Engagement Pact for timely, regular and meaningful stakeholder engagement and regulatory support (hereinafter the Pact) is one of the measures proposed in the 14-point “EU Action Plan for Grids”. The European Commission presented it on November 28, 2023, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s electricity grids and increasing their interconnectivity, digitalization and cyber resilience. The Commission also called on member states, national regulatory authorities, transmission and distribution system operators, project promoters and civil society to join the Pact and work together to promote meaningful stakeholder engagement in grid development.

Four organizations signed the Pact on November 28, 2023. On November 5, 2024, a signing ceremony was held in Brussels during PCI Energy Days, organized by the European Commission on so-called Projects of Common Interest (PCI). Other entities, including ČEPS, also joined the document at the ceremony.

“The principles and main guidelines set out in the Pact align with those we consider beneficial and apply to the greatest extent possible in developing the transmission system,” said Zdeněk Hruška, Director of Transmission System Development and Technical Concept, who signed the document on behalf of ČEPS, a.s.

The Pact sets out Guiding Principles intended to serve as a basis for achieving its objectives in the future. These include, for example, involving stakeholders early in planned energy infrastructure development projects, educating and informing the public, and ensuring transparency.