Information technology related to challenges in a liberalised power market

Free flow of information is vital for a deregulated energy market to function. This requires points of information exchange to be identified and the data of current interest to be specified. Further, standard communication protocols ensure equal opportunities for market participants and that the correct data is exchanged. The paper uses the Norwegian energy market to illustrate how market participants play different roles in the marketplace. The market roles are defined by the allocated tasks, which subsequently dictate what kind of information flows between them. The method used to give small customers market access without use of remote metering systems is discussed. Based on the identified interfaces between market participants, a discussion of issues related to communication standards is given. The key role of the Network Owner as responsible settlement data is used to illustrate a proposed strategy for standards development