Who we are
ENTSO-E – the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity – brings together 40 electricity Transmission System Operators (TSOs) from 36 countries. ENTSO-E members are responsible for the secure and coordinated operation of Europe’s electricity system. Together, European TSOs operate a system of around 500,000 km of power lines – the largest interconnected electrical grid in the world – and serve about 520 million citizens.
Our Mission
Electricity is not merely a market commodity, it is an essential service, and TSOs are fully regulated public service entities whose work is essential to powering Europe. The grid is the backbone of the electricity system and has extended over the whole Continent, beyond the borders of the EU. TSOs working together guarantee a functioning infrastructure that makes the trade of electricity possible, contributes to decarbonisation goals, and ensures a reliable and efficient power supply for all members of society.
These shared public service responsibilities need close cooperation beyond national borders, which led to the creation of ENTSO-E. Today, the association serves two main complementary purposes:
- Cooperation of European TSOs
The foundations of this cooperation date back to the 1950s with the creation of electrical synchronous areas and interconnections, which laid the groundwork for today’s interconnected European power system. TSOs established associations to work together on their own mandates and missions, that came together into what today is ENTSO-E. The European electricity system is one of the most stable and reliable grids in the world and is supported by the cooperation and coordination of TSOs both within the European Union and closely interconnected European countries. ENTSO-E strives to build consensus for decision-making amongst its member TSOs as this forms the strongest foundation for cooperation.
- Fulfilling EU legal mandates
With the adoption of the Third Energy Package in 2009, ENTSO-E’s role was formally recognised by European institutions. ENTSO-E was granted legally mandated tasks to further develop the European interconnected grid and to facilitate the integration of European electricity markets. These mandates cover a large spectrum of tasks, including system operation, system development, market integration, information technologies, R & D and innovation.
Our Strategy
ENTSO-E’s Strategy sets out how Europe’s Transmission System Operators (TSOs) will work together to strengthen power system security, support competitiveness and affordability, and enable the transition towards a decarbonised European power system. It provides a common direction for Europe’s TSOs and focuses their common framework on the areas where European coordination can deliver the greatest value. It is built around three overarching objectives: Security, Competitiveness & Affordability, and Decarbonisation.
Our Values
As a community of TSOs acting in solidarity, ENTSO-E contributes to EU policy development through expert input and constructive dialogue. In all its work, the Association acts with technical rigour, transparency, and a focus on social welfare, system resilience, and long-term sustainability.