The TSO’s primary responsibilities include managing the transmission grid, ensuring the safety and reliability of the power supply, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. This involves real-time monitoring of the grid’s performance, balancing electricity supply and demand, and coordinating with neighbouring TSOs to maintain grid stability. TSOs operate independently from other electricity market players to provide non-discriminatory access to the grid for all stakeholders, including generating companies, traders, suppliers, and distributors.
In addition to electricity transmission, TSOs also play a critical role in the gas industry, managing the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks. They oversee the reception of gas from producers, its transportation across regions, and its delivery to distribution companies. TSOs are often natural monopolies due to the high costs associated with establishing and maintaining transmission infrastructure, and thus are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure fair and transparent operations.
TSOs are pivotal in the energy market, performing various functions such as real-time dispatch of electricity, planning and coordinating maintenance outages, and procuring ancillary services to support power system operations. They ensure that electricity generation and consumption are continuously balanced, which is crucial for preventing power outages and maintaining system security. By integrating sophisticated energy management systems and collaborating with distribution system operators (DSOs), TSOs contribute significantly to the stability and efficiency of the energy supply chain.