European energy markets have been changing rapidly over the last two decades. Electricity markets, and subsequently gas markets, have been liberalized. Public utilities have been privatized, and new trading places and various new actors have appeared. This changed market environment offers new opportunities, while energy companies, end users and governments are facing new challenges. Development and introduction of new regulatory methods and approaches are needed in many countries.
COWI offers a variety of services directed at governments, energy companies and end users. The services are aimed at securing clients the maximum benefit of the new market structures. We have worked with restructuring and deregulation of energy markets in the European Union. This has included market structure issues, common carrier principles, third-party access, competition and concentration aspects.
We are experienced in the implementation of European Union energy market directives both within the enlarged EU and within the accession countries. COWI has provided assistance to a number of international clients concerning issues directly related to market structure and regulation, e.g.: