European Commission Opens Consultation for ACER Performance Evaluation
The European Commission has initiated a formal consultation to gather evidence for its evaluation of the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). The Commission published a 4-week call for evidence on April 14, 2026, seeking stakeholder input that will directly inform the assessment. This comprehensive data collection is a critical first step in the mandated review process.
Mandatory Regulatory Review
This evaluation is a statutory requirement under Article 45(1) of the ACER Regulation (EU/2019/942). The process is designed to assess ACER's performance across its mandated functions since the regulation's implementation. The article mandates this review to ensure the agency's activities remain aligned with its founding principles and the evolving needs of the EU's internal energy market.
Consultation Process and Scope
According to the published call, input collected during the consultation period will feed into the Commission's preparation of the evaluation report. The assessment will examine the agency's effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and coherence with EU energy policy objectives. Stakeholders from across the energy sector, including national regulatory authorities, market participants, and consumer groups, are invited to contribute their perspectives.
Focus Areas for Assessment
The evaluation will scrutinize ACER's role in key areas such as developing network codes, facilitating cross-border cooperation, and monitoring wholesale energy markets. The agency's support for the integration of renewable energy and its work on regional coordination centers are also central to its mission and will be part of the performance review.
Next Steps in Evaluation
Following the conclusion of the evidence-gathering phase, the European Commission will analyze the submissions as part of its comprehensive review. The evaluation will form the basis for any future considerations regarding the agency's mandate or operational framework. The final report will provide a detailed analysis of ACER's achievements and challenges since the current regulation took effect.