Abstract :
Gas and electricity distribution in Belgium is the responsibility of the regions. As a result, the liberalisation of the markets is organised differently in the country´s three regions. In Flanders (60% of customers), the entire market has been liberalised since 1 July 2003. In the two other regions, Wallonia (25%) and Brussels (15%), HV-HP (High Voltage-High Pressure) customers and business customers have been liberalised since July 2004. Domestic customers in these two regions are due to be liberalised on 1 January 2007. So, today we are over half way there. It is therefore useful to take stock of the situation and learn lessons for the road ahead. The disintegration of existing systems, decentralisation of originally integrated processes, the arrival of new players on the scene and the multiplicity of data are new realities of the current situation. The quality of data, a coherent architecture and a gradual approach to the transition are key success factors. The experience described here concerns the mixed Distribution System Operators (DSOs) (80% of supply points)(partnership with Netmanagement — Electrabel subsidiary).
