LIABILITY MODELS FOR DEVIATIONS FROM THE PRODUCTION PLANS FOR ELIGIBLE ENERGY PRODUCERS FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

The promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources (RES) and the means of integration of eligible producers of electricity from RES into the electric power system differs among members of the European Union. Considering the total share of RES, the type of incentive system and the development of organized electricity market, this paper explores different models of liability for deviations from the production plans for eligible producers of energy from RES. The aim of this research is highlighting the need for the introduction of liability that would be in line with an increase in eligible producers' share in the structure of electricity production. Eligible producers (primarily wind farms and solar power plants) were initially not held liable due to their small share in the total production system, made up mainly of conventional energy sources (hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants). With an increase in the eligible producers' share and market development, the eligible producers using RES are becoming increasingly active market participants, with a clearly defined liability for deviation from the production plans. The collected primary and secondary economic data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. The research results show that, in the countries where eligible producers are held liable for deviations, that liability mainly concerns their financial aspect. Furthermore, the research shows that the liability of the transmission system operators for the production of energy and the electrical power system management ensures real-time balance of the total production, consumption and distribution. It can be concluded that the eligible producers in some EU countries are held financially responsible for deviations, i.e. they cover part of the balancing costs which are the result of their deviation from the production plans.