Entities involved in NCCS

During the course, you will encounter various actors involved in the NCCS regulation. Before beginning your studies, it is advisable to become familiar with them.

A

Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators

A specialized agency of the European Union responsible for facilitating the integration and efficient functioning of EU energy markets.

C

Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRT)

A dedicated center where a technical team consisting of one or more experts, supported by cybersecurity IT systems, performs security-related tasks (Cybersecurity Operation Center [CSOC] services) such as handling cyber-attacks and security configuration errors, security monitoring, log analysis, and cyber-attack detection.

D

DG CONNECT (Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

The Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) develops and implements the European Commission’s policies.

DG ENER (Directorate-General for Energy)

The Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission is responsible for the EU’s energy policy.

Distribution System Operator (DSO)

A natural or legal person responsible for operating, maintaining, and, if necessary, developing a distribution system in a given area, as well as for ensuring long-term capacity to meet justified demands for electricity distribution.

DSO Entity (EU DSO)

European Distribution System Operators Organization

The European Distribution System Operators Organization was established by the European Union to coordinate and develop electricity distribution system operations. The role of the EU DSO is particularly crucial in the integration of energy markets, the incorporation of renewable energy sources, and supporting the energy transition.

The EU DSO’s activities are regulated by the EU Clean Energy Package and the Electricity Market Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/943).

E

European Commission (EC)

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for implementing EU legislation, developing policies, and managing the budget.

Electricity Coordination Group (ECG)

Electricity Coordination Group

  • The goal of the Electricity Coordination Group is to share and coordinate information on electricity policy measures with cross-border impacts, facilitating cooperation through knowledge and experience exchange.

European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

ENISA is the EU’s cybersecurity agency, supporting Member States in defending against cyber threats.

European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)

European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity

ENTSO-E is the common organization of European transmission system operators (TSOs). It plays a central role in the integration of the European electricity market and ensuring the stability of the electricity system. ENTSO-E’s activities are regulated by the EU Clean Energy Package and the Electricity Market Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/943).

N

National Competent Authority (NCA)

A national competent authority is an official body or organization authorized by legislation to regulate, supervise, and oversee a specific sector or area. These authorities ensure compliance with national and, where relevant, international laws and standards.

National Cybersecurity Competent Authorities (CS NCA)

The national competent authority responsible for cybersecurity within a given Member State.

National Regulatory Authority (NRA)

An official state or independent organization responsible for regulating, supervising, and overseeing designated areas within a country or region.

Network and Information Systems Cooperation Group (NIS CG)

Cybersecurity Cooperation Group

The Network and Information Security Cooperation Group (NIS CG) coordinates EU cybersecurity cooperation. The tasks of the NIS Cooperation Group are outlined in Article 11 of the NIS Directive.

Nominated Electricity Market Operator (NEMO)

A Nominated Electricity Market Operator (NEMO) is a market operator designated by the competent authority of an EU Member State to participate in the operation of the Single Day-Ahead Market Coupling or the Single Intraday Market Coupling.

R

Regional Coordination Center (RCC)

Regional Coordination Centers (RCC)

These centers have a consultative role in the development of regional cybersecurity risk assessment and risk mitigation plans, coordinating Member States' cooperation in cybersecurity.

Established under Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943.

Risk Preparedness National Competent Authority (RP-NCA)

The RP-NCAs are responsible for developing and implementing risk preparedness plans.

S

System Operators

As defined in Article 2(29) and Article 2(35) of Directive (EU) 2019/944.

T

Transmission System Operator (TSO)

A natural or legal person who is responsible for operating, ensuring the maintenance of and, if necessary, developing the transmission system in a given area and, where applicable, its interconnections with other systems, and for ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the transmission of electricity.

U

Union-wide Critical-Impact Process

Any electricity sector process, possibly involving multiple entities, where a cyber-attack may be deemed critical during the Union-wide cybersecurity risk assessment.

Union-wide High-Impact Process

Any electricity sector process, possibly involving multiple entities, where a cyber-attack may be deemed high during the Union-wide cybersecurity risk assessment.