NEW DEADLINE: 20 November 2023, 17:00 Brussels time
In order to reach a more balanced representation of Interests in the Smart Energy Expert Group, the Commission's Directorate-General for Energy ("DG ENER") and the Commission's Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology ("DG CNECT") extend the deadline for receiving applications until 20 November 2023, 17:00 Brussels time.
The applicants who already sent their applications between 6 October 2023 and 6 November 2023 do not need to re-apply under this extended call.
The Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (‘DG ENER’) and Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (‘DG CNECT’) have just launched a Call for Applications to select members of the ‘Smart Energy Expert Group’ (‘SEEG’) [C(2023) 6121] .
The creation of this formal Expert Group and its guiding principles were outlined in the EU action plan for digitalising the energy system, published in October 2022 [COM(2022) 552 final and SWD(2022) 341 final].
Building on the work of the Smart Grids Task Force, the SEEG aims to assist the Commission on issues regarding the sustainable digital transformation of the energy system, and in the development and deployment of smart energy solutions that support and are strategically aligned with the goals of the twin green and digital transition.
To achieve this objective, the Commission will establish three subgroups under the SEEG:
- The ‘Data for Energy’ (‘D4E’) working group, as announced in the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan, focuses on providing recommendations and facilitating the exchange of best practices regarding the access to, sharing of, and (re-)use of energy-related data. The ultimately goal is to support the Commission in laying the groundwork for a common European data space for energy;
- The “Consumer Empowerment and Protection” working group aims to bolster consumer engagement and empowerment, enabling them to actively participate in the energy market. They will also explore ways for consumers to benefit from smart energy services and innovative collective consumption/production models, helping them in energy conservation and bill reduction;
- The “Cybersecurity” working group will provide recommendations and guidance to the Commission on cybersecurity for energy systems. This encompasses evaluating the ramifications of new legislative initiatives in the field and exploring how best to address related challenges.
The SEEG should also serve as a platform where the Commission, Member States and stakeholders from the energy and digital domains, can exchange information and best practices on smart energy issues.
The call for applications for the SEEG will remain open until the 6th of November 2023.
FAQ
Application procedure
Q1: Is there any specific procedure to apply?
A: All interested organisations that wish to become members of the SEEG should follow the application procedure as laid out in the Call for applications (Section 3).
Q2: What is the difference between members and members’ representatives?
A: Members refer to the organisations that apply and receive member status of the SEEG. Members’ representatives refer to the individuals nominated by their respective organisations to represent them in the SEEG (Secretary Generals, Presidents, Directors or similar, depending on the organizational structure of the respective entity).
Q3: Do we submit an individual application for each representative/ alternate, we wish to nominate to represent our organisation in the SEEG? Should we already include the alternate person?
A: Applications should be submitted only by organisations wishing to become members of the SEEG, indicating in the application the name of their representative. An alternate representative can be indicated in the cover letter.
Q4: If an organisation is currently a member of the present Smart Grids Task Force (SGTF), does it automatically become a member of the new SEEG?
A: No, being a member of the SGTF does not automatically entail membership for the SEEG. Members of the SGTF need to reapply if they wish to become members of the SEEG, following the procedure described in the call for applications. However ex-officio members specified in the Commission Decision setting up the SEEG will be nominally invited to join the group.
Q5: How many seats are foreseen per organisation, i.e., with how many people should each organisation apply? Q: Will the seat be attributed to the representative or the organisation?
A: Each member organisation of the SEEG is allocated one seat, which can be occupied either by the member’s primary representative or their alternate, depending on circumstances. Once the set-up of the SEEG is complete, members of the group will be invited to nominate their representatives in the three subgroups announced in the EU Action Plan for digitalising the energy system.
Q6: If we do not apply as a member to the SEEG now, can we have an observer status?
A: Individuals, organisations and public entities other than Member States’ authorities may be granted an observer status, in compliance with the horizontal rules, by direct invitation (Art 10 of the Commission Decision C(2023) 6121 final)[1]. Please note that observers do not have voting rights and are excluded from participating in the drafting of recommendations or advice stemming from the SEEG’s work.
Membership
Q7: Is membership open to independent experts (individual persons)?
A: Membership of the expert group is open to organisations only. However, individuals may be invited as experts with respect to a subject matter on the agenda to take part in the work of the group or sub-groups on an ad hoc basis.
Q8: Is membership open to companies, universities and research organisations?
A: Companies, universities and research organisation may apply. All applications will be evaluated against the fulfillment of the selection criteria of the Call for Applications.
Q9: Is membership open to national organisations (e.g., National Regulatory Authorities)?
A: National organisations may apply. Please note that public entities active in areas related to energy or digitalisation, established under EU legislation, will be invited to join the SEEG as members. This includes, among others, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, which was established by Regulation (EC) No 713/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Q10: Is it mandatory for the MSs to propose experts from the respective country to participate in the SEEG?
A: Member States will be invited to nominate representatives from authorities competent for energy and/or digital matters at national level.
SEEG and its subgroups
Q11: Is this call for the overarching group or for the subgroups?
A: This call is for applications to the overarching SEEG.
Q12: Will there be separate calls for the proposed subgroups on Data for Energy, Cybersecurity, and Consumer Empowerment later, and is there a timeline for this?
A: Once the SEEG is set-up, members of the group will be invited to nominate their respective representatives to the subgroups they are interested in. Please note that only organisations recognized as SEEG members will be eligible for this nomination process. The expected timeframe for this is Q1 2024.
Q13: Can each member organisation nominate both a primary representative and an alternate for each subgroup, or is the SEEG representative expected to participate in all subgroups?
A: The rules for nominations to the subgroups will be clearly specified in the respective Terms of Reference. Representatives within the subgroups must possess expertise pertinent to the subgroup’s area of focus. As a result, the representation structure within the SEEG and its individual subgroups might vary.
Q14: Do we have to be a member of SEEG in order to be a member of one of the subgroups?
A: Yes, only organisations that are members of the SEEG will be invited to nominate representatives to the subgroups.
Functioning of the SEEG
Q15: Are you looking for a technical profile already for the overarching SEEG or rather for senior representatives of contributing organisations for strategic advice.
A: Applicants are invited to nominate representatives according to the selection criteria (Section 4) of the Call for applications.
Q16: What is the expected workload and time commitment involved in being part of this group?
A: Members’ representatives to the SEEG will have several responsibilities, including contributing to the drafting and review of group deliverables and reports. They are expected to attend SEEG meetings, which are held twice per year, and to be involved in the preparations leading up to these meetings.
[1] In accordance with Art 10(3) of the Commission Decision: Observers and their representatives may be permitted by the Chair to take part in the discussions and provide expertise. However, they shall not have voting rights and shall not participate in the formulation of recommendations or advice of the expert group or sub-group
Background
- Commission Decision Setting up the Smart Energy Expert Group
- Communication: Digitalising the energy system - EU action plan
- Staff Working Document
- Media package: EU action plan on digitalising the energy system