Secure and high-quality energy supply

Transmission system operator

Elia is Belgium's transmission system operator and is responsible for the transmission of electricity. Electricity is transmitted over the high-voltage grid from electricity generators to the distribution system operators and heavy industrial consumers. As system operator, Elia organizes transparent, objective and non-discriminatory access to the grid. Elia owns all of Belgium's 150 to 380 kV grid infrastructure and almost 94% of its 30 to 70 kV grid infrastructure.

High voltage grid

Elia' s high-voltage grid consists of overhead lines and underground cables with voltages ranging from 380 kV to 30 kV. The 380 kV cables form the backbone of the Belgian and European network. International supplies are carried over these cables. Nuclear power stations and the Coo hydroelectric power station are also connected at this voltage level. The 220- and 150 kV connections in turn carry electricity to large consumption centers and ensure Belgium's domestic electricity supply. Finally, power is carried over 70- and 36 kV lines to the take-off points used by the distribution companies. Heavy industrial consumers are directly connected to the high-voltage grid.
The Belgian network forms an integral part of UCTE's European transmission network. This means that there is a high level of security of supply due to the presence of mutual support.

Liberalized market

The market for electricity has been liberalized in Belgium since 2003. This means that all companies are free to choose their supplier. The market has been fully liberalized in Flanders, residential users included.
However, on the professional market, the main player (especially when high volumes are requested) is still the standard supplier Electrabel with a market share of 84.5% in 2005  and an even higher market share when only the professional access gates are counted. A few examples of other suppliers of electricity to end users are: EBEM, Ecopower, Essent, Lampiris NV, Nuon Belgium, SPE, and Wase Wind.

Regulator

The Flemish Regulatory Body for the Electricity and Gas markets (VREG) is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of the deregulated Flemish electricity and gas markets. It appoints the distribution network operators, grants delivery licenses to suppliers and issues certificates/guarantees of origin to producers of electricity from renewable energy sources and combined heat and power systems.
In addition to this, VREG draws up technical regulations for licensed access to the electricity network and for the management and expansion thereof. It mediates and deals with disputes relating to licensed access to the distribution network, and enforces compliance with the code of good practice and the technical regulations. The VREG also has a control function. It carries out stringent monitoring to ensure that the distribution network operators and suppliers comply with legal and statutory obligations. 
 
Composition of the electricity price 

The unit price for electricity consists of different factors and is the sum total of the transmission cost, the distribution cost, the relevant levies and the energy cost. To get an idea of the market price (future exchange price) of electricity, please refer to www.endex.be.