The basic obligations of the Transmission System Operator are set out in EU legislation, in particular in the so-called network codes. Under domestic law, the TSO’s obligations are determined in particular by the provisions of the Energy Law and the implementing legislation issued on its basis, which define both the tasks to be undertaken by the PSE and how they are to be financed, as well as the applicable technical standards and reliability criteria.
The costs of the tasks we perform are regulated costs, covered by transmission fees paid by users of the transmission system in accordance with a tariff approved by the President of the ERO. As an operator, we perform the tasks using technical facilities of entities connected to the transmission system. These entities are obliged to make the resources available under the applicable laws or relevant civil-law agreements.
PSE AND THE ENVIRONMENTBusiness model
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne is the only transmission system operator (TSO) in Poland. Our company also acts as the Energy Market Information Operator. We are a company wholly owned by the State Treasury, being of key importance to the national security, and responsible for the reliability of electricity supply to all regions of Poland.
Operating rules of the operator in Poland
PSE’s role in the power sector
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne manages the operation of the entire National Power System. For many years, we have been adapting the system to new challenges, including those related to the increasing share of RES in the electricity generation mix.
Our organisation feels responsible for the proper functioning of the Polish economy and domestic companies. In view of the development taking place, including those related to the geopolitical situation, energy security is a priority for us.
How does the power system work?
The National Power System (NPS) consists of three subsystems responsible for specific tasks.
- Electricity generation – the production of electricity in the power system by generating sources, which are power plants, combined heat and power plants and distributed sources.
- Electricity transmission – is carried out by the transmission system operator whose functions are performed by PSE through the transmission grid in order to supply energy to distribution networks or consumers connected to the transmission grid.
- Electricity distribution – is carried out by distribution system operators and consists in the supply of energy through distribution networks to institutional and individual consumers connected to the network.
The company manages over 16,000 km of extra-high voltage lines and 109 substations.
Fig. 1. The path of electricity from generator to consumer