Working Groups

The Working Groups in CEDEC are supporting the development of CEDEC positions and the exchange of best practices amongst members, in specific fields of expertise. Since a few years mainly organised as digital meetings, they are chaired by company or association representatives or by CEDEC.

The Working Group “Digitalisation” focuses on developments regarding digitalisation in the electricity and gas sectors in light of the European Green Deal and the EU’s digital agenda. Discussions include challenges in cybersecurity, data communication, and data protection. The group also follows key initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Data Act, while examining interlinkages with existing legislation including the Open Data Directive and ePrivacy rules.

The Working Group “Energy and Climate” addresses strategic topics within the EU’s climate and energy framework, including EU’s climate targets, the Carbon Management Strategy, the Emissions Trading Systems, and the taxonomy for sustainable investment. The group monitors new climate-related initiatives and provides input to ensure that local and regional energy companies are represented in EU policymaking.

The Working Group “Energy Consumers” focuses on increasing citizen participation in the energy transition, strengthening the social dimension of the Energy Union, and addressing energy poverty. It informs members about EU initiatives on consumer rights and involvement while collecting expert input for CEDEC’s contributions to consultations and policy proposals. The group follows the work of the European institutions, particularly regarding the upcoming Citizen Energy Package and other consumer-focused legislative efforts.

The Working Group “Gas” focuses on European gas policy developments relevant to local and regional gas companies and gas distribution system operators. Its discussions include the integration of renewable, decarbonised, and low-carbon gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, as well as the implementation of the updated regulatory framework for hydrogen and decarbonised gas markets. The group also follows the application of the EU Methane Regulation and related initiatives.

The Working Group “Grid Tariffs” examines how recent and upcoming European legislative measures affect electricity and gas distribution tariff structures. Members exchange expertise on tariff design, reform processes, and national approaches, supporting CEDEC’s advocacy for fair and efficient grid tariff models that enable the energy transition while safeguarding local flexibility and consumer interests.

The Working Group “Implementation” facilitates the exchange of information on how EU energy and climate legislation is transposed and applied in different Member States. With numerous directives and regulations adopted in recent years, the group monitors national implementation approaches, identifies common challenges, and enables mutual learning among members to strengthen CEDEC’s evidence-based advocacy at European level.

The “Local Broadband” Platform follows EU developments in broadband infrastructure, telecommunications, and related aspects of digitalisation. It monitors legislative proposals impacting local broadband networks and fosters the exchange of knowledge on national frameworks, market structures, and the role of local companies providing broadband infrastructure and services. This ensures CEDEC’s members remain informed and represented in European digital connectivity policy.

The Working Group “Smart Grids” explores strategic and operational aspects of smart electricity grids, focusing on resilience, grid planning, local flexibility, and the evolving roles of DSOs. Smart metering, data management, and communication remain central topics, supporting members in developing smarter, more sustainable, and consumer-oriented local grids.