The energy ministry has decided to seek an extension, from the European Commission, of a demand response system beyond its September 30 expiry date as a commitment for the demand response mechanism’s participation in the balancing market does not appear feasible.

According to some sources, the ministry has already submitted an application for the continuation of the current demand response system until June, 2022.

The demand response system compensates major-scale electricity consumers when the TSO asks them to shift their energy usage (lower or stop consumption) during high-demand peak hours, so as to balance the electricity system’s needs.

Sector officials believe the system needs to be maintained given the tougher grid conditions expected this coming winter.

The industrial sector’s drastic cutback on energy consumption last summer was crucial in the effort made for energy sufficiency during the extended heatwave and grid problems caused by wildfires.

A market reform plan submitted by Greece to the European Commission keeps open the prospect of new, more realistic mechanisms for demand, exclusively, as a means of ensuring the grid’s smooth functioning. Germany and France have also included similar considerations in their market reform plans.