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Guides

How the energy market works

Ten short guides that explain the EU electricity market in plain words, from the power plant to your bill. Start at Part 1 or jump to the topic you need.

  1. How the EU electricity market works: a simple guide

    Part 1 of 10

    How the EU electricity market works: a simple guide

    From the sun and the wind to the socket at home: the steps that bring electricity to you across the EU, in plain words.

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  2. Where does electricity come from? Generation across the EU explained

    Part 2 of 10

    Where does electricity come from? Generation across the EU explained

    Sun, wind, water, gas and more: how the electricity you use every day is made, and what self-consumption means.

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  3. The electricity transmission network: Europe's power motorways

    Part 3 of 10

    The electricity transmission network: Europe's power motorways

    The motorways of electricity: how energy travels long distances, across borders, and who makes sure the lights stay on.

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  4. Electricity distribution: who brings the power to your home

    Part 4 of 10

    Electricity distribution: who brings the power to your home

    Substations, meters and faults: the role of the distribution operator and why it does not change when you change supplier.

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  5. What is an electricity supplier (and what it does for you)

    Part 5 of 10

    What is an electricity supplier (and what it does for you)

    The company that sells you electricity and sends your bill. What it does, what the free market is, and the supplier of last resort.

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  6. How electricity prices are formed: the wholesale market

    Part 6 of 10

    How electricity prices are formed: the wholesale market

    Why do electricity prices go up and down? Understand the EU market where producers and suppliers buy and sell energy.

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  7. What's on your electricity bill: energy, networks and taxes

    Part 7 of 10

    What's on your electricity bill: energy, networks and taxes

    Your electricity bill is not just energy. See what your supplier sets and what is fixed by the regulator and by law.

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  8. Who regulates the energy market? National regulators and ACER explained

    Part 8 of 10

    Who regulates the energy market? National regulators and ACER explained

    Meet the bodies that oversee the energy market, set network tariffs and protect consumers, in your country and across the EU.

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  9. How to switch electricity supplier at no cost

    Part 9 of 10

    How to switch electricity supplier at no cost

    Switching electricity supplier is free and does not cut your power. See the steps and what to check before you sign.

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  10. Contracted power and time-of-use tariffs: what they are and how to choose

    Part 10 of 10

    Contracted power and time-of-use tariffs: what they are and how to choose

    Simple choices that change your bill: how much power to contract, whether a two-rate tariff pays off and what a dynamic price is.

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