Emergency and Restoration Network Code (NC ER)

Emergency and Restoration Network Code (NC ER) lays down the requirements, among others, on:

(a) the management by Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of the emergency, blackout and restoration states;

(b) the coordination of system operation across the European Union in the emergency, blackout and restoration states.  

Scope of application

NC ER applies to:

- TSOs,

- Distribution System Operator (DSOs),

- Significant Grid Users (SGUs),

- Defence Service Providers,

- Restoration Service Providers,

- Balance Responsible Parties (BRPs),

- Balancing Service Providers (BSPs),

- Nominated Electricity Market Operators ('NEMO'), and

- other entities designated to execute market functions pursuant to Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1222 and to Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1719.

In particular, NC ER applies to the following SGUs:

(a) existing and new power generating modules classified as Type C and Type D (in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 5 of the Network Code Requirements for Generators (NC RfG)),

(b) existing and new Type B power generating modules, where they are identified as SGUs responsible for implementing system defence plans or restoration plans;

(c) existing and new transmission-connected demand facilities;

(d) existing and new transmission connected closed distribution systems;

(e) providers of redispatching of power generating modules or demand facilities by means of aggregation and providers of active power reserve in accordance with Title 8 of the Network Code on System Operation;

(f) existing and new high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 4(1) of the Network Code on High Voltage Direct Current Connections (HVDC).

NC ER also applies to the following entities as long as they qualify as defence service providers or restoration service providers:

- existing and new Type A power generating modules,

- existing and new Type B power generating modules other than those referred to in point (b) above,

- existing and new demand facilities, closed distribution systems and third parties providing demand response.

NC ER applies, moreover, to energy storage units of a SGU, a defence service providers or a restoration service providers, which can be used to balance the system, provided that they are identified as such in the system defence plans, restoration plans or in the relevant service contract.

According to the European Commission's planning, the Emergency and Restoration Network Code entered into the comitology process in 2016 (ENTSO-E draft Work Programme 2015 through December 2016).