Emissions trading: public consultation on future EU ETS auctioning rules launched
A public consultation on rules to govern the future auctioning of emission allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been launched by consultants working for the European Commission. The consultation forms part of the Commission's preparation of a Regulation on auctioning of allowances with respect to the third and later trading periods. In accordance with the revision of the Emissions Trading Directive agreed as part of the EU climate and energy package in December last year, the Commission has to adopt a Regulation by 30 June 2010 to ensure that auctioning is conducted in an open, transparent, harmonised and non-discriminatory manner.
From 2013 at least half of the allowances under the EU ETS will be auctioned instead of being allocated to businesses free of charge. A smooth introduction of auctioning is therefore of crucial importance for the continued efficient functioning of the EU ETS and for protecting confidence in the market for emission allowances.
The consultation covers all aspects of auctioning that may be relevant for the future Regulation. It seeks views notably on the timing, size and frequency of auctions, auction design and regulatory aspects relating to issues such as pre-registration of participants, collateral, payment and delivery, information disclosure and monitoring. It also addresses the question of the number of auction processes that could be used and the appropriate degree of coordination between Member States.
The consultation runs for two months, i.e. until 3 August 2009. Interested stakeholders are invited to participate by filling in the online questionnaire.
Internet: http://quickplace.icfconsulting.com/eu-ets-auctions-consulta...
Posted on: 04.06.2009