Eurelectric response to the ACER consultation on IDA timings in the Algorithm Methodology

2 September 2026

Eurelectric welcomes the extension of flow-based allocation in the intraday timeframe. If implemented correctly, this change will provide relief to market participants (MPs) who have experienced a decline in cross-zonal trading opportunities in intraday since the go-live of flow-based market coupling in the day-ahead auction.
Eurelectric calls for sufficient time for MPs’ operational preparation and for testing before the go-live in Q4 2027.
The risk of locked cross-zonal flows in the intraday continuous and balancing timeframes needs to be mitigated before the go-live of flow-based in IDAs.
Eurelectric welcomes NEMOs’ commitment to keep suspension times of SIDC continuous below 40 minutes under normal operations but encourages NEMOs to pursue ways to minimise this suspension time.
The removal of concrete suspension time arrangements from the Algorithm Methodology raises questions about transparency and stakeholder involvement. We encourage NEMOs to consult MPs on any further evolution of the suspension times.
The concrete distribution of SIDC continuous suspension times matters from a MP perspective, since trading opportunities closer to delivery are more valuable. Hence, a later reopening of the continuous market could be acceptable if accompanied by significantly improved transparency and timely publication of auction and capacity calculation outcomes.
Further discussions with MPs on fallback procedures can help ensuring a proper balance between operational robustness, transparency and market efficiency.