This book analyses the new and emerging role of the electricity distribution system operator (DSO) in the energy transition. The concept of a neutral market facilitator is introduced to characterise this role. In a world of active customers at the distribution level, the DSO will be a central actor, responsible for facilitating these transactions and entities such as energy sharing, peer-to-peer trading, flexibility ... In addition, the DSO will also increasingly rely on market transactions to purchase technical products and services.
Another major contribution of this book is to advance the concept of private energy law. It thus proposes a different analytical lens than is usually used. From a private law perspective, this approach focuses on the nature of these new transactions and entities. Starting from an analysis of EU energy law, this book examines national implementation in Belgium and the Netherlands. It describes and compares the solutions adopted by each of the Belgian regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital) and the Netherlands.