The European Commission appears to be showing an increasing understanding for the need by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, to impose export limits on electricity amounts acquired at NOME auctions, energypress sources have informed.

RAE officials, now preparing the authority’s NOME terms revision plan to be submitted to Brussels for authorization, are in regular contact with European Commission officials for guidance.

RAE is aiming for its revised terms to be implemented in time for Greece’s next NOME auction, which may take place during the first quarter of 2019. A date has yet to be set.

The authority wants to limit NOME electricity exports being carried out by traders and suppliers in Greece, exploiting considerably higher wholesale electricity prices in other EU regions.

NOME auctions were introduced in Greece over two years ago to offer independent energy firms access to PPC’s lower-cost lignite and hydropower sources. The NOME-related exports are depriving local players of favorably priced electricity amounts for Greece’s retail electricity market.

Brussels, citing the EU’s free trade principles, expressed some hesitation over the export limit plan in a letter forwarded to RAE late last month, but also indicated it would be open to measures.