Energy Community DSOs committed to keeping lights on during COVID-19 crisis

As agreed at the most recent meeting of the Energy Community distribution system operators coordination group, ECDSO-E, the Secretariat published today a summary of the prevention and containment measures DSOs introduced to manage the challenges invoked by the COVID-19 emergency. The document also highlights a number of concerns shared by DSOs at the meeting.

Despite all restrictions brought by the COVID-19 crisis, all DSOs have adapted quickly to the new situation, providing uninterrupted  delivery  to  the customers, in  particular to core   services and households. Security and safety measures were put in place to ensure the core functions of the distribution system, safety of network facilities and public interest.

In most Contracting Parties, disconnections for reasons of non-payment are excluded during the crisis,   as   continuous   supply   is   a   public   security   issue. DSOs expressed shared concerns about the impact of the crisis on DSO liquidity due to declared tolerance of delayed payments, non-payments and waiver of interest during the state of emergency.  

Other concerns included the quality of service due to postponement of planned repair and maintenance and lack of needed supplies and critical materials and equipment if the crisis was to continue.