What is ACER and why an ACER code?

In this article we elaborate on what the ACER does and why an ACER code is needed for trading on our platform. Additionally, we provide guidance on the registration process with ACER, including the necessary steps and relevant contact points.

What is ACER?

The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) plays a crucial role in overseeing the integrity and transparency of the European energy markets. Established to enhance cooperation among national regulatory authorities, ACER ensures that the internal energy market operates effectively and benefits consumers across Europe.

A key component of ACER's regulatory framework is the REMIT (Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency), which mandates market participants to obtain an ACER code. This unique identifier is essential for trading in the European energy market, as it helps maintain market integrity, facilitates transparency, and ensures regulatory compliance. By understanding the significance of the ACER code, market participants can better navigate the regulatory landscape and contribute to a fair and transparent energy market.

Why does a energy market participant need a ACER code?

A market participant in the European Energy market needs an ACER code to trade for several crucial reasons:

Regulatory Compliance: The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) oversees the implementation of the Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT). This regulation aims to enhance transparency and prevent market abuse. An ACER code is essential for compliance with REMIT, as it uniquely identifies market participants and ensures their activities are monitored and reported correctly.
Market Integrity: The ACER code helps maintain the integrity of the energy market by ensuring all participants are registered and accountable. This unique identifier enables ACER and other regulatory bodies to track trading activities, detect anomalies, and prevent practices such as insider trading and market manipulation.
Transparency: ACER codes facilitate transparency in the European energy market. By requiring all market participants to register, ACER can collect and publish data on trading activities, which helps stakeholders make informed decisions and enhances overall market confidence.
Cross-Border Trading: The European energy market is highly integrated, with significant cross-border trading activities. An ACER code standardizes the identification of market participants across different countries, streamlining cross-border transactions and regulatory reporting.
Data Collection and Reporting: Under REMIT, market participants must report their trading activities to ACER. The ACER code is a critical component of this reporting process, ensuring that data is accurately collected, aggregated, and analyzed to monitor market trends and compliance.

In summary, the ACER code is a vital tool for ensuring regulatory compliance, market integrity, transparency, and efficient cross-border trading within the European energy market. It enables effective monitoring and reporting, which are essential for a fair and transparent energy market.

How do you apply for an ACER code?

To apply for an ACER code, market participants in the European energy market must follow these steps:

Registration with National Regulatory Authority (NRA):
- Start by registering with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in the country where your business is based. Each European Union member state has an NRA responsible for regulating its energy market.
- Submit necessary documentation, including company details, legal identifiers (such as LEI - Legal Entity Identifier), and contact information.
REMIT Registration:
- Access the REMIT Registration tool provided by the NRA. This tool is often available on the NRA's official website.
- Complete the REMIT registration form. This form collects essential information about your organization and its activities within the energy market.
Submission and Validation:
- After completing the registration form, submit it to the NRA.
- The NRA will validate the submitted information and, upon approval, will assign an ACER code to your organization.
Receive ACER Code:
- Once validated, the NRA will issue an ACER code, which serves as your unique identifier for trading in the European energy market.
Maintain Up-to-date Information:
- Ensure that any changes to your organization’s details are promptly updated with the NRA to maintain the validity of your ACER code.

Where do you apply for an ACER code per country?

You need to apply for an ACER code at the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in the country where your business is based. If you are entering a market which is not the same as your home country, you do not need to register that country as well.

Please find below a list of links to NRA where to register per country.