DSOs as market facilitators

Many observers including EURELECTRIC still recognize a need to develop well-functioning retail markets in Europe. By improving competition customers gain from benefits in terms of prices, quality of services, choice of commercial offers and product innovation. Taking into account existing papers on retail markets and customer protection by regulatory bodies, the European Commission as well as EURELECTRIC, this paper aims at clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in the liberalization process.