The implementation of REMIT and the ACER 2014 budget

27.9.2013

Question for oral answer O-000099/2013
to the Commission
Rule 115
Amalia Sartori
on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

The European Parliament, through its Committee on Industry, Technology, Research and Energy, closely follows the implementation of the REMIT regulation and the work of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). With the introduction of the REMIT and TEN-E regulations, ACER’s role has become more central to the completion and proper functioning of the internal energy market, which has a direct impact on the energy prices that European citizens and industries pay.

In line with its increased responsibilities, the Agency and the Board of Regulators have estimated, in the ACER work programme for 2014, that 50 more staff will be required, including 35 for the effective implementation of REMIT, as well as increased funding for the operation of the REMIT-related IT system. Yet, in the draft 2014 Union budget, adopted on 26 June 2013, the Commission allocated only EUR 10 188 000 to ACER, which, even after allowing for assigned revenues of EUR 692 606, is EUR 4 644 714 less than the budget that the Agency estimates it needs to carry out its work. Moreover the Commission’s proposal estimated that only five additional staff will need to be recruited.

In view of the above, Parliament requests the following clarifications:

1.  Has the Commission evaluated the impact that insufficient funding will have on the implementation of REMIT and on the other regulations that directly influence the completion of the internal energy market? If so, what are the conclusions of the Commission’s evaluation?

2.  Allocating less funds than necessary means that ACER will have to choose and prioritise which tasks should be carried out. Can the Commission indicate which tasks will be carried out and which will be shelved?

3.  It is difficult to comprehend how five extra staff will be able to cover the tasks that have been allocated to be carried out by 50 persons. Can the Commission explain its reasoning behind the allocation of the new posts at ACER? Has the Commission taken account of the fact that ACER has not yet finished the initial recruitment of its staff?

Tabled: 27.9.2013

Forwarded: 1.10.2013

Deadline for reply: 8.10.2013