Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and ... · Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and Power Markets 5 Preface Preface It has been over ten years

Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and Power Markets

www.pwc.de/energiewirtschaft

PwC analysis on a variety of scheduling solutions available in the European energy market.

https://www.pwc.de/energiewirtschaft

PwC analysis on a variety of scheduling solutions available in the European energy market.



Published by PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

By Ingo Passenberg, Rodrigo Ayala and Katharina Schöneck

December 2018, 44 Pages, 21 Tables, 1 Figure, Soft cover

All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form, copied onto microfilm or saved and edited in any digital medium without the explicit permission of the editor.

This publication is intended to be a resource for our clients, and the information therein was correct to the best of the authors’ knowledge at the time of publication. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult the sources or contacts listed here. The opinions reflected are those of the authors. The graphics may contain rounding differences.

© December 2018 PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.All rights reserved.In this document, “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL). Each member firm of PwCIL is a separate and independent legal entity.

Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and Power Markets 5

Preface

Preface

It has been over ten years since the EU liberalised the energy market with far-reaching repercussions. While consumers were now free to decide on their preferred provider for power and gas, the competition within the industry suddenly rose rapidly. On top of that, the political climate changed and several member states announced nuclear phase-out plans. A lot has been said and written about the effects of these events and how energy companies have struggled to adapt to the new market environment. And while these developments can be considered major milestones, new challenges are already in sight.

While some of these will help to address existing challenges, such as faster and more accurate trading, others can be considered innovations (eg, blockchain) which will ultimately force market participants to rethink current business models and corresponding IT.

One process within the trading lifecycle that will have to deal with all these challenges is the communication between energy trading companies and local/regional transmission system operators.

This study aims at presenting and analysing a variety of scheduling solutions available in the European energy market. It will focus on the differences and similarities that exist within the commodity gas and the commodity power, and on how the different system solutions accommodate both current and future challenges in the world of energy trading and delivery.

6 Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and Power Markets

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Tables ..........................................................................................................7

A Introduction ......................................................................................................8

B Approach and objectives....................................................................................9

C Challenges in scheduling .................................................................................10

D System vendors ...............................................................................................13

E System characteristics and functionalities ......................................................17

F Results overview .............................................................................................19

G Challenges in the selection of a system solution...............................................37

H Conclusions .....................................................................................................38

I Our expertise ..................................................................................................39

Contacts .................................................................................................................40

Publications ...........................................................................................................41


Table of Tables

Table of Tables

Tab. 1 System solution ....................................................................................19

Tab. 2 Functionalities: basic features (power) .................................................21

Tab. 3a Functionalities: basic features (gas) ......................................................22

Tab. 3b Functionalities: basic features (gas) ......................................................22

Tab. 4 Functionalities: aggregation (power and gas) .......................................23

Tab. 5 Functionalities: aggregation (power) ....................................................23

Tab. 6 Functionalities: aggregation (gas) ........................................................24

Tab. 7 Functionalities: nomination (power and gas)........................................25

Tab. 8 Functionalities: nomination (power) ....................................................26

Tab. 9 Functionalities: nomination (gas) .........................................................26

Tab. 10 Functionalities: monitoring (power) .....................................................27

Tab. 11 Functionalities: monitoring (gas) .........................................................27

Tab. 12a Other functionalities ............................................................................28

Tab. 12b Other functionalities ............................................................................29

Tab. 13 Implementation ....................................................................................30

Tab. 14a Costs .....................................................................................................31

Tab. 14b Costs .....................................................................................................32

Tab. 15a Flexibility .............................................................................................33

Tab. 15b Flexibility .............................................................................................34

Tab. 16 References and documentation .............................................................35

Tab. 17 Additional services ...............................................................................36

Fig. 1 Software Selection Workflow ...............................................................37


Introduction

A Introduction

When talking about power and gas markets, one must inevitably discuss the scheduling systems which make possible the administration and communication between the market participants (hereinafter Operators) and the transmission system operators (TSOs) in the different geographical regions.

The term “scheduling” describes the physical movement of the commodity that an Operator has in the market. Both power and gas will be associated with a point of origin (which may or may not be generation) and a point of destination (which may or may not be consumption). For this movement between the origin and the destination, it is the TSO who grants the capacity to transport power or gas through the network. In parallel, once the Operator has a physical position he has to confirm to the TSO the movements of power or gas through what is called “nomination”. Consequently, the communication between the Operators and the TSO is an important point in the chain of scheduling.

Therefore, scheduling responds to the need to optimise the physical position of the Operators and it is closely linked to the energy trading and risk management (ETRM) systems available to them. This occurs because the ETRM system collects all the positions of the Operator in question and contains their detailed information as well (date, quantity, price, counterparty, etc). In addition, the scheduling system will have to be connected to the ETRM system so that the logistics of the physical positions can be managed correctly between the Operator and the TSO.

At this point, it must be clarified that the systems that manage the positions of energy Operators (power and gas) can be classified according to the following criteria:

ETRM systemsThose whose focus is to collect in detail the position of the Operator and to close this position in the market. This type of system may have some scheduling and communication capabilities, either through its standard functionality or other system extensions.

Specialised systems in logisticsThese systems are completely focused on the management of the Operator’s physical positions in the end-to-end process. That is, from the management of the demand to the contracting of the capacity, nomination and management of its daily and consolidated balance sheet. In addition, these systems have the ability to communicate with the TSO in a way that covers the entire management process of the physical positions between the Operator and the TSO.

Communication systemsThese systems cover the need to communicate the power or gas movements of the Operator with the TSO but do not have the capacity to manage the portfolio or store data on the positions similar to an ETRM.

The software solutions covered in this study will fall into one of the categories above.


Approach and objectives

B Approach and objectives

This study aims to investigate products that offer a scheduling solution for the European power and gas markets.

In doing so, a number of scheduling system vendors were approached with a questionnaire and asked to provide specific product information, which can be categorised as follows:• System solution• Functionalities• Other (not functional) requirements• Implementation effort• Costs• Flexibility and maintenance• References and documentation• Additional services

The questionnaire served as the basis for classifying the software applications comprised in this study, and for detailing the coverage offered by each of them in terms of the different commodities (gas and power) and markets in which they operate.

Taking all of the above into consideration, please be aware that:

The purpose of this study is to:• Present an overview of the power and gas scheduling systems in the European market• Present an unbiased assessment of the different scheduling solutions within the study• Present the different system characteristics and functionalities relevant

to the industry

The purpose of this study is not to:• Present an exhaustive list of all scheduling providers and systems in the market• Present a quantitative ranking of the different survey participants or their systems• Present the reader with an isolated and simplified decision-making process• Replace a software selection process with the information hereby presented

Finally, the individual decision which would favour one software solution over the others can only be taken after careful analysis and consideration of the client’s individual technical requirements, regulatory directives and financial viability.


Challenges in scheduling

C Challenges in scheduling

Due to the constant arrival of new regulations and new technologies, the world of energy trading and its distribution is continually changing.

The following chapter describes some of the trends and challenges that currently affect the business and are thus a driver of change when assessing scheduling applications.

Short-term trading (STT)Energy demand was traditionally handled by the day-ahead market. The nuclear phase-out changed the European trading dynamics by developing the intraday market. This was a response to managing the production of renewable energy, whose forecast is difficult to establish and often less reliable. As intraday markets evolved, so did the necessity to trade as close as possible to the time of delivery, which is known as short-term trading. Besides the traditional intraday auctions, exchanges such as EPEX now offer continuous intraday trading throughout Europe, available 24/7. On the other side of the equation, the arrival of automatic trading solutions enables utilities companies to execute unmanned trading on an uninterrupted 24/7 basis as well.

German exchanges currently offer intraday products, which are tradeable up to half an hour before delivery. As short-term trading converges to tradeable products up to “immediately before delivery” (eg, real-time trading), scheduling systems are challenged to adapt to this trend.

Cross-border intraday tradingIn order to enable continuous intraday trading (and thus real-time scheduling, etc) markets need to open up other geographical zones. This presents a challenge both form the infrastructure point of view as well as from the software point of view.

On one hand, as stated by the European Commission, Europe’s energy infrastructure is currently largely disconnected, preventing energy from flowing freely between countries. Massive material and political investments will have to take place in the time to come in order to bridge this gap.

On the other hand, from the software point of view, this represents a challenge as different market zones use different data formats to communicate with their TSOs. Either there will be a unified electronic data format in the future or scheduling systems will need to work with different protocols in parallel (and due diligence conducted on the IT risks and costs this implies).



Deal volume and efficiencyWith the emergence of intraday markets and high trading volumes in general, there is a constant need to improve the quality of the data being processed. Scheduling systems must keep pace with aspects such as regulatory controls and reporting, monitoring and risk management. Although some of these subjects may be inherent to the ETRM system, the scheduling solution is a pivotal part of the overall operation.

Scheduling solutions must also evolve in such a way that they help to increase the profitability and operational efficiency of their users.

Real-time positioning and schedulingIn order to assure that gate closing times are met and penalties due to possible imbalances are avoided, a real-time interaction between traders and schedulers becomes necessary. Thus, the scheduling functionality must be fully integrated with the trading system in place.

Similarly, when a scheduler executes a deal for balancing purposes, this has to be communicated to the different branches of the organisation such as the middle office (which must monitor the financial positions and limits) and the back office (which must timely process payments, etc) on a real-time basis.

Schedulers should also have the ability to manage changes to the original schedules sent out to the TSO on a real-time basis. This becomes especially relevant in high trading volume environments (enabled by automatic trading).

Automated trading and artificial intelligenceManaging demand and trading uninterruptedly as close as possible to delivery begin has created a degree of operational complexity which can no longer be handled efficiently by men. This has resulted in the spawn of automated trading technologies (eg, algorithmic trading, aka algo trading), which are supported by the use of artificial intelligence.

Another reason for embracing this new technology is cost efficiency, as traders are being replaced with this tool.

The challenge for the scheduling software is thus to evolve in parallel with the automated trading technology, that is, to support nomination on a continuous or even real-time basis, unmanned, while being able to communicate with TSOs in different regions using different data exchange protocols.



Straight-through processingIn the world of digitised energy markets, it is essential that the flow of data is stream-lined in order to avoid operational inefficiencies and errors. This applies not only within the realm of an ETRM system, where the processes taking place in each of the different modules have to be optimised, but also when involving external parties. Such is the case with the scheduling system, as it communicates with the TSOs.

Cloud computingDriven by the need to achieve cost reduction and to facilitate the outsourcing of business processes, there is a continually increasing shift from conventional on-premise infrastructures to the use of cloud technology. Here, cost optimisation is enabled through server scalability (ramping up and down the system as needed, thus eliminating operational inefficiencies) and by taking advantage of consumption-based pricing models offered by the different cloud providers.

Energy companies are currently also implementing cloud solutions in order to reduce the time-to-market for new products, reduce testing cycles and share a common platform between different businesses in different geographical regions.

With some of the most important ETRM vendors in the market already offering partial or complete cloud platforms, scheduling solutions also need to adapt to this trend.

SecurityWith the increasing use of cloud computing (public cloud in particular), security becomes an increasing concern. The storage and flow of sensitive data must thus be assured, not only from the Operators’ side of the equation but from the TSOs’ as well.

System architecture must not only focus on encryption and firewall technologies, it must also include frameworks that incorporate dynamic controls (deterrent, preventive, detective and corrective controls) and compliance measures (data recovery, audit trails).


System vendors

D System vendors

The following is a brief description of the vendors who took part in this study, in alphabetical order.

BradyBrady plc is the largest European-headquartered provider of trading and risk management software to the global commodity and energy markets. Brady combines fully integrated and complete solutions supporting the entire commodity trading operation, from capture of financial and physical trading, through risk management, handling of physical operations, back office financials and treasury settlement, for energy, refined and unrefined, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, soft commodities and agricultural products.

Brady has over 30 years’ expertise in the commodity markets with more than 10,000 users at over 200 companies worldwide, who depend on Brady’s software solutions to deliver vital business transactions across their global operations. Brady clients include many of the world’s largest financial institutions, trading companies, miners, refiners, scrap processors, producers, tier one banks and a large number of London Metal Exchange (LME) Category 1 and 2 clearing members and many leading European energy generators, traders and consumers.

EGSSISWith over 18 years of expertise, EGSSIS NV is a European service provider specialising in shipping services and software solutions for gas and power operations.

EGSSIS has a pool of over 30 clients and is a certified Trading Agent on ICE ENDEX and PEGAS, acting on behalf of its customers. It is also a member of EASEE-gas, participating in the streamlining of business processes and market communication.

“The Brady Energy Logistics Solution is a powerful, integrated solution that includes two modular and often interdependent solutions – balancing and scheduling – ideal for automated, efficient and low-cost cross-border intraday trading. It can function as a stand-alone solution or as an integrated part of your ETRM system.”

Source: Brady plc, www.bradyplc.com.

“EgssPort Gas is the software used by EGSSIS in the nomination and balancing of gas portfolios. It supports the gas markets across Europe, including Fluxys, GTS, NetConnect, GASPOOL, National Grid, GRTgaz, Gas Connect Austria and more. A great benefit is the modular based approach for software as a service.

EgssPort Power is the EGSSIS solution for nominating to TSOs in the power market. Among other things the scheduling tool handles communication with Elia, EPEX Spot Belgium, Tennet, Amprion, 50Hertz and ELEXON and stores the online metering of end users where available.”

Source: EGSSIS NV, www.egssis.com.

https://www.bradyplc.com/

https://www.egssis.com/


System vendors

eZ-nergyeZ-nergy is a French service provider for the European power and gas markets. It provides not only software applications for logistics (balancing, scheduling and nomination) and auto trading, but also carries out dispatching on behalf of its clients.

eZ-nergy currently serves more than 40 customers in 15 countries.

GlobalerisA daughter company of Everis, Globaleris is a Spain-based company that specialises in digital integrated solutions for gas business processes.

Its solution covers operations and contracts, reconciliations, gas balancing and demand. Globaleris also works with LNG processes.

GMSLGMSL provides the European energy industry with comprehensive 24-hour dispatching operations and portfolio management software – applications and services essential for monitoring and evaluating gas markets. With more than 20 years’ experience, GMSL works with over 150 gas and power market participants across all the actively-traded European grids, helping to streamline business processes and manage energy-related data.

“The eZ-Operations platform handles balancing and automated nominations for gas and power all over Europe. The nomination module enables users to nominate their positions in due time automatically, including generation assets rescheduling, taking rescheduling constraints into account. The fact that our solution is fully API-based also makes it easy for users to integrate our solution directly in their own development environment.”

Source: Johann Zamboni, CEO eZ-nergy, ez-nergy.fr.

“Globaleris Pioneer supports the end-to-end gas logistics process (NG and LNG) through a unique single tool. Operations and contracts, reconciliations, gas balancing, demand and LNG tanks, all managed through the same solution.”

Source: Globaleris, globaleris.com.

“The EuroRunner and PowerTrak software is designed and built using our unique experience of gas and power operations. We understand the detail of 24-hour operations and can provide robust, proven solutions for your gas and power needs. Every product we market is already in daily use by our own 24-hour operations team and our reliance on GMSL software means that it is continually updated in response to changing operational needs and market rules.”

Source: GMSL, www.gmsl.co.uk.

www.gmsl.co.uk

https://www.ez-nergy.fr

https://globaleris.com/


System vendors

KISTERSKISTERS AG has over 500 employees in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia and has its headquarters in Aachen, Germany.

KISTERS AG provides software solutions to over 750 companies in the energy sector, as well as in the field of resource management for water and air. Its portfolio includes energy data and portfolio management, smart metering, forecasting, virtual power plants, optimisation, smart grids and asset management of plants and grids.

OpenlinkFounded in 1992 and with its headquarters in Long Island, New York, Openlink has over 600 clients around the world.

Openlink is a global player in delivering system solutions for energy and commodities trading, treasury and risk management.

Pioneer SolutionsHeadquartered in Denver, Colorado, Pioneer Solutions provides trading and risk management, and environmental system solutions.

Its software focus in front, middle and back-office functionalities for energy and commodities trading, and environmental management systems.

“The Scheduling Cockpit is the central tool for the market communication in energy trading, eg, gas nominations, power scheduling, ERRP and transparency messages in the European market.”

Source: KISTERS AG, energie.kisters.de.

“Openlink provides a complete front- to back-office solution for company participating in power markets. With Openlink’s scheduling partner Powel clients can handle daily and intraday nominations, manage communications and quickly identify imbalances across multiple markets and grid operators. Our joint solution has built-in rules for key power markets. As a result, you can improve productivity and reduce the risk of errors and associated penalties/fees.”

Source: Openlink, www.openlink.com.

“TRMTracker provides straight-through-processing of deal capture, risk management, scheduling, settlement and accounting in a single platform. TRMTracker is the perfect trading and risk management solution for organisations that require a flexible robust trading and risk management tool and lower cost of ownership. Our logistic solution provides robust support for scheduling and delivery, including actualisation and an incidents log.”

Source: Pioneer Solutions, www.pioneersolutionsglobal.com.

https://energie.kisters.de/

https://www.openlink.com/en/

https://www.pioneersolutionsglobal.com/


System vendors

PowelPowel is an international software provider with 500 employees and has its headquarter in Trondheim, Norway.

Its solution portfolio includes forecasting, multi-asset-optimisation, portfolio management, trading, algo trading, power & gas balancing and scheduling.

“Powel DeltaXE handles the complexity of European power and gas logistics. It is used as a short-term trading and scheduling tool. Due to its modularity and configurability, it can be fully integrated with external ETRM systems. Our expertise is automation of forecasting, multi-asset optimization, trading, cross-border logistics and scheduling.”

Source: POWEL, www.powel.com.

SinergeticaFounded in 2013 and based in Genoa, Italy, Sinergetica provides operational support (scheduling and nomination) to its clients. Additionally, they have developed their own ETRM solution, which focuses on small and medium-sized companies.

In September 2018 Sinergetica became part of the Lutech Group, one of the most important IT players on the Italian market, with an international presence.

VisoTechHeadquartered in Vienna, Austria, VisoTech was founded in 1999 and remains founder owned and managed. The company provides software solutions to energy companies throughout Europe. Through the Periotheus Suite, VisoTech offers a fully integrated short-term energy trading solution with best-in-class trading algorithms, asset management, scheduling and more. It supports 24x7 autonomous trading on major European power and gas exchanges.

“Perseo ETRM Suite is the complete solution (multi-market, multi-commodity) for all business sizes, able to support the entire business process; full support from trading to risk management aspects to the dispatching and billing management.”

Source: Sinergetica, www.sinergetica.biz.

“The features of Periotheus support you in all aspects of schedule management, beginning with creating business data and its aggregation, to accounting and nominating transports with system operators (TSOs). Periotheus’s schedule management can be automated to any extent, right up to fully automated operation, which only requires user interaction in exceptional cases.”

Source: VisoTech, www.visotech.com.

https://www.powel.com/

http://www.sinergetica.biz/

https://www.visotech.com/de/


System characteristics and functionalities

E System characteristics and functionalities

In order to be able to compare the different system providers, a set of standardised criteria was established. As previously mentioned, this requirement catalogue was sent to the survey participants in the form of a questionnaire.

Using this methodology, we were able to identify the degree to which the different system solutions fulfil these criteria.

The following is a brief description of the different sections covered in the questionnaire:

System solutionIn this section, we evaluate the specifics of the system solution. Which commodities are supported by the system? Is the system an in-house development? Is it a stand-alone application or an add-on module to an existing ETRM? Is the system available as a cloud-based solution?

We further enquire about standard interphases available for the solution and if third-party software is involved.

FunctionalitiesIn this section, we evaluate concrete system functionalities relevant for scheduling.

Basic features:Are there restrictions when modelling trading hubs, shipper codes, balancing groups, etc across European countries?

Aggregation:Can the system balance the different market zones automatically? Can the system handle unit conversion when aggregating quantities? Can the data be aggregated in different granularities and by different hierarchies? We also elaborate on the system’s capacity to handle different time zones and summer/winter time changes.

Nomination:We enquire about the ability to support the different nomination formats as applied to the different European countries. Which communication standards are available for gas, which for power? Can the system do an automatic matching of IN/OUT files? Is intraday nomination available? Furthermore we evaluate the different formats supported for transfer files, and the means of communication (to the TSO) available.

Monitoring:Which position management functionalities are available?


System characteristics and functionalities

Other (non-functional) requirementsThis section deals with requirements that are not directly related to the scheduling functionality. For instance, how does the system handle user profiles and privileges? How user-friendly are the GUIs? It also looks at requirements related to notifications, for instance: does the system recognise when connectivity is lost and is a notification sent out? Can it be identified which users are logged-in and can their activity be tracked? Which reports are available?

Security-related subjects are also covered in this section, such as: Is the data regularly saved as a backup? Is the saved data encrypted? Is the transferred data encrypted?

Implementation effortThis section covers the time effort required for the implementation of the solution. The scope and execution of the training are is also taken into account.

CostsThis section covers the different costs involved in the establishment of the system solution (eg, implementation, licences, maintenance, training, etc).

Flexibility and maintenanceThis section covers how flexible the system is in regards to technical and regulatory changes. Additionally, we analyse how accessible the system is concerning an upgrade. System support is also addressed.

References and documentationHow many clients and who has already implemented the system solution successfully? To what degree is the system solution documented; is there a standard documentation package delivered with the system?

Additional servicesIn this section, we cover those additional services that are offered together with the system solution.


Results overview

F Results overview

This chapter summarises the feedback given by each individual vendor. Please be aware that Openlink (provider of the ETRM solution) has a partnership with POWEL (provider of the Scheduling solution) so they will be grouped together when presenting the results.

System solutionHalf of the solutions presented are stand-alone systems which can be linked to any ETRM system solution via an interface.

The remaining solutions presented in this study are modules to be bolted on to an existing ETRM solution from the same vendor. However, most of them can also be linked to a different ETRM via an interface.

Additionally, all of the solutions in this study can be executed in the cloud, whereas 30% of them are cloud-native solutions.

Vendor

What is the name of the scheduling product?

Commodities supported (power/gas)

Inhouse solution? Type of solution

In case of addon solution, is the module a standard component of the ETRM system?

In case of standalone solution, which peripheral functionalities are available?

BradyBrady Energy Logistics Solution

Power YesStandalone (can be linked to ETRM via interface)

N/ADeal capturing, position monitoring

EGSSIS egssPort• Power• Gas

YesStandalone (can be linked to ETRM via interface)

N/A Deal capturing

eZnergy eZOperations• Power• Gas


N/A

Automated and algorithmic trading, generation assets scheduling, deal capture, position management, time series management and REMIT reporting

Globaleris Globaleris Pioneer

Gas (power expected in early 2019)

YesStandalone (can be linked to ETRM via API REST)

N/A

Back office and billing (Globaleris Argentia), forecasting (Globaleris Prognoss), deal capturing, price feed, position management, simulations, reporting

Tab. 1 System solution


Results overview

In addition to the above table, results show that all solutions can be executed in the cloud (whereas EGSSIS, eZ-nergy and Globaleris are cloud-native solutions).

Vendor

What is the name of the scheduling product?

Commodities supported (power/gas)

Inhouse solution? Type of solution

In case of addon solution, is the module a standard component of the ETRM system?

In case of standalone solution, which peripheral functionalities are available?

GMSL

• Gas: EuroRunner

• Power: PowerTrak

• Power• Gas


N/A Deal capturing

KISTERSKISTERS Scheduling Cockpit

• Power• Gas

Yes

• Addon (for Belvis PFM, eRisk, iRM)

• Can also be used as standalone (linked to ETRM via interface)

No, it must be acquired/installed separately.

As standalone: possible to create time series and capture deals if interface from ETRM is provided

Pioneer Solutions

• Gas: GasTracker

• Power: PowerTracker

• Power• Gas

Yes

• Addon (for TRMTracker)• Can also be used as stand

alone (linked to ETRM via interface)


As stand alone: deal capture, alerts, workflow, reporting

Powel Powel DeltaXE

• Power• Gas

YesStandalone for shortterm trading (can be linked to ETRM via interface)


Full automation of deal capturing, cross border capacity bidding, auto balancing, realtime positioning, market communication. And addons for multiasset optimization and intraday algo trading.

OpenlinkPowel DeltaXE (partnership with Powel)

No (developed by Powel)

Addon (for Endur)

SinergeticaPerseo Suite Scheduling and Dispatching

• Power• Gas

Yes

• Addon (for Perseo Suite)• Can also be used as stand

alone (linked to ETRM via interface)


As stand alone: deal capture, price feed, interface to markets, unbalance fee calculation, support ancillary market, Market Settlement

VisoTechPeriotheus Scheduling

• Power• Gas

Yes Addon (for Periotheus) Yes N/A

Continuation Tab. 1 System solution


Results overview

Tab. 2 Functionalities: basic features (power)

VendorWhich EU countries can be modelled?

Does the system support the modeling of all EIC Codes?

Is the system able to model all TSOs within each EU country?

BradyAll continental European countries, except Nordic Region

N/A Yes

EGSSISAll countries where TPA rules and message formats defined are possible

Yes Yes

eZnergy All European countries possible Yes Yes

GMSL

All major European grids, including following list and more: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Yes

Yes, including: Austria (APG and APCS), Belgium (Elia), Czech Republic (CEPS and OTE), Denmark (Energinet DK1), France (NEB/PEB and MORGAN), Germany (50 Hertz, Amprion, TenneT GmbH and TransnetBW), Hungary (Mavir), Italy (Terna North and PCE) Netherlands (TenneT BV), Switzerland (Swissgrid), United Kingdom (Elexon and National Grid EDT), IFA, BritNed

KISTERS

• Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands

• No restrictions for implementing other countries

YesGermany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands.Further TSOs will be added successively.

Pioneer SolutionsNo restrictions on developing market interfaces

YesYes, but not all TSOs are currently available out of the box.

Powel• All European power markets

covered out of the box• No restrictions on configuring

additional market interfaces

YesAll European TSOs are covered out of the box already.

Openlink

Sinergetica All countries possible Yes All TSOs supported

VisoTechNo restrictions on modelling European countries

Yes

• Currently, TSOs available for Spain, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Turkey

• Other TSOs can be configured.

Functionalities: basic featuresFor gas and power modelling, a wide range of European countries and market zones are covered by each system out-of-the-box. This will depend mostly on the client base of each provider and the geographical zones from which they operate. However, the different providers have no technical restrictions to implementing new extensions if needed.

Additionally there are very few systems for gas which do not support basic functionalities (such as modelling of L/H gas, capacity firm/not firm) out-of-the box. The reason for this is that the providers client base do not have these technical requirements. Other providers are currently working on implementing these features.


Results overview

Tab. 3a Functionalities: basic features (gas)

Vendor Which EU countries can be modelled? Is the system able to model all market areas within each EU country?

EGSSISAll countries where TPA rules and message formats defined are possible.

Yes

eZnergy All European countries possible Yes

Globaleris All European countries possible Yes

GMSL

All major European markets, including following list and more: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain

Yes, including: NCG, Open Grid Europe, Fluxys TENP, Bayernets, GRTgaz Deutschland, Thyssengas, Terranets GASPOOL, Gasunie, ONTRAS, Gascade Jordgas Nowega, GasTransport Nord, Austria Market Area East, CEGH, Gas Connect Austria, Trans Austria Gasleitung, Austria Gas Grid Management, Fluxys Belgium, Gasunie Transport Services, GRTgaz TIGF, Gassco National Grid, Eustream, Energinet.dk, Snam Interconnector United Kingdom, BBL, Swissgas, NOGAT, Gas Networks Ireland, GazSystem

KISTERS

• Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands

• No restrictions for implementing other countries

TTF, NCG and GPL currently supportedFurther market areas will be added successively.

Pioneer SolutionsNo restrictions on developing market interfaces

Yes, but not all market areas are currently available out of the box.

Powel • Most European gas markets covered out of the box

• No restrictions on configuring additional market interfaces

Most European market areas are covered out of the box. New market areas can be configured.

Openlink

Sinergetica All countries possible All market areas supported

VisoTechNo restrictions on modelling European countries

Currently, market areas available for Spain, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and TurkeyOther market areas can be configured.

Tab. 3b Functionalities: basic features (gas)

VendorIs the system able to model Lgas and Hgas separately?

Is the system able to model capacity contracts, both firm and notfirm?

Is the system able to model capacity prices?

EGSSIS Yes Yes• Yes• Additionally, API with PRISMA is

available.

eZnergy Yes Yes Yes

Globaleris• Not a standard functionality• Potential workaround by creating

two separate balances.Yes

• Yes• Additionally, the capacity costs for past

or future months can be estimated.

GMSL Yes Yes Yes

KISTERS YesProcessing of capacity to be added soon

No

Pioneer Solutions Yes Yes Yes

PowelYes Yes Yes

Openlink

Sinergetica Yes

• Yes• Additionally, seasonal, shortterm,

longterm, OTC transfer on secondary market

Yes

VisoTech Yes Yes Yes


Results overview

In addition to table 3, the results show that all solutions support the unrestricted modelling of gas shipper codes and gas virtual trading points.

Functionalities: aggregationThere is no significant distinction between the different systems since the vast majority support basic aggregation functionality (such as balancing, unit conversion, time zones and intraday).

For the commodity gas there are some limitations on the degree of automation when transferring energy between hubs or modelling capacity restrictions.

Tab. 4 Functionalities: aggregation (power and gas)

Vendor

Is the software able to balance the different market zones automatically?

Are all the relevant European time zones supported?

Are the summer/winter time shifts supported?

Brady Yes Yes Yes

EGSSIS Yes Yes Yes

eZnergy Yes Yes Yes

Globaleris No

The solution expects to work with the harmonised European “gas day”.

N/A

GMSL No Yes Yes

KISTERS Yes Yes Yes

Pioneer Solutions Yes Yes Yes

PowelYes Yes Yes

Openlink

Sinergetica Yes Yes Yes

VisoTech Yes Yes Yes

In addition to the above table, the results show that all solutions support aggregation of data (by market area, hub, shipper code and buy/sell direction) and that they are all able to convert the energy units to those required by the TSO and the balancing group.

The results also show that all solutions support intraday nomination.

Tab. 5 Functionalities: aggregation (power)

Vendor In which different granularities can the data be aggregated?

Brady Hour, half hour, 15 minutes, custom blocks

EGSSIS• Hour, half hour, 15 minutes• No restrictions on granularities

eZnergy No restrictions on granularities

GMSL Hour, half hour, 15 minutes and custom blocks

KISTERS• Hour, half hour, 15 minutes• Additionally, every minute and daily

Pioneer Solutions The system is able to support data down to 5min intervals.

Powel • Hour, half hour, 15 minutes• Additionally, 5 and 10 minutes, daily, monthly, quarterly, yearlyOpenlink

Sinergetica Up to 15 minutes

VisoTech• Hour, half hour, 15 minutes• Additionally, 4 minutes, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly


Results overview

Tab. 6 Functionalities: aggregation (gas)

Vendor

Is the system able to aggregate data by quality of the gas (Lgas/Hgas)?

Is the system able to manually transfer energy between connected hubs?

Is the system able to automatically transfer energy between connected hubs (by means of predefined paths)?

Does the system support use of formulas, in order to model custom restrictions (eg, based in capacity, etc) that the different balancing groups may have?

EGSSIS Yes Yes Yes Yes

eZnergy Yes Yes Yes Yes

Globaleris

• Not a standard functionality

• Potential workaround by creating two separate balances

Yes No

• No• This must be done in the

core ETRM solution.• There is, however, an alert

module available.

GMSL Yes Yes No Yes

KISTERS Yes Yes Yes• No• Currently in development

Pioneer Solutions Yes N/A YesYes, a formula engine is part of the system.

PowelYes Yes Yes Yes

Openlink

Sinergetica Yes Yes Yes Yes

VisoTech Yes Yes Yes Yes

In addition to the above table, the results show that all solutions support the aggregation of capacities per hub (entry/exit point).


Results overview

Tab. 7 Functionalities: nomination (power and gas)

Vendor

Does the system support automatic matching of (IN/OUT) EDI files? Can the system calculate balance energy?

Which formats are supported for the transfer files?

Which means of communication with the balancing group/TSO are available?

Brady Yes XML Email, FTP, web service

EGSSIS Yes XML, CSV, TXT, XLSX Email, FTP, SFTP, web service, AS2, AS4

eZnergy Yes XML, CSV, TXT, XLSXFTP, SFTP, SMTP, web service, AS2, AS4, API, http Requests

Globaleris No XML, CSV, TXT, XLSX FTP, SFTP, web service, Email, API

GMSL• Yes: matching• No: balance energy

XML, CSV, XLSX Email, FTP, SFTP, web service, AS2, AS4, API

KISTERS• Yes: matching• N/A: balance energy

XML, CSV, JSON, XLSXEmail, FTP, SFTP, web service, AS2, AS4, Exchange Directory

Pioneer Solutions Yes XML, XLSX, CSV, FIX, FTP Email, webservices, FTP, FIX

PowelYes

XML, CSV, JSON, TXT, XLS, XLSX

Email, FTP, SFTP, HTTP, SHTTP, web service, AS2, AS4, filebasedOpenlink

Sinergetica• Yes: matching• Yes: balance energy

XML, CSV, TXT, XLSX, TPSEmail, FTP, web service, AS2, AS4, filebased

VisoTech Yes XML, CSV, JSON, XLS, XLSX Email, FTP, SFTP, HTTP, SHTTP, AS2, AS4

Functionalities: nominationThere is no significant distinction between the different systems, as most vendors support automatic matching functionalities, apply the most common formats for transferring files (XML, CV, TXT, XLSX) and provide the most common means of communication with the nomination authority (e-mail, FTP, web service, AS2, AS4).

Regarding the communications protocols for Power, there are a wide range of solutions offered across providers. This is a consequence of the client base they have and the protocols they use.

For the commodity Gas, almost all solutions support EDIFACT/EDIGAS.


Results overview

Tab. 9 Functionalities: nomination (gas)

Vendor Which communication standards or other standards does the system support, by country?

EGSSISEDIGAS for Belgium, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark, BBL, IUK

eZnergy• EDIFACT/EDIGAS• More formats for other countries (including UK)

Globaleris Spain: EDIGAS

GMSL EDIFACT/EDIGAS

KISTERS EDIFACT/EDIGAS

Pioneer Solutions EDI

Powel • EDIFACT/EDIGAS• Supports standard messages for Austria, Belgium, Germany (GPL and NCG), Denmark, France, Netherlands,

Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Italy/Switzerland, Italy/AustriaOpenlink

Sinergetica EDIGAS

VisoTech• EDIGAS (Germany and other countries)• KISS

Tab. 8 Functionalities: nomination (power)

Vendor Which communication standards or other standards does the system support, by country?

Brady

• ESS 3/4, ESS, KISS, EDI, DAMAS• United Kingdom: Format for BritNed (MCN, ECVN)• Belgium: Format for Elia• France: RTE PEB• Netherlands: Format for TenneT

EGSSIS• All formats for Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, France, Slovakia,

Czech Republic, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, BBL, IUK available• Also KISS

eZnergy

• ESS• EDI• EDIFACT• Encryption supported• Supports formats for following countries: FR, DE, BE, NL, IT, CH, AT, DK, Nordics

GMSL

• EDI• Germany: Format for Amprion, TenneT, TransnetBW and 50 Hertz (ENTSO ESS v2r3)• United Kingdom: Format for Elexon and National Grid EDT (ECVNA, BSC, CVA), Format for Brittned and IFA

(ENTSO ESS v3r1,…)• Belgium: Format for Elia (HubNom, CrossBorderNom,…)• Netherlands: Format for TenneT (DELFORE, APERAK, MSCONS,…)• France: Format for RTE (NEB XML, ENTSO ESS v3r3, MORGAN ENTSO ESS v3r3, PEB,…)• Hungary: Format for Mayir (ENTSO ESS v3r,…)• Austria: Format for APG (APCS, APG, ENTSO ESS v2r3)• Switzerland: Format for Swissgrid (ENTSO ESS v2r3)• Czech Republic: Format for OTE (ENTSO ESS v3r1) • Italy: Format for Terna/GME (DAMAS, ENTSO ESS v3r3, PCE, SBIL)

KISTERS EDIFACT, ENTSOE, KISS

Pioneer Solutions• EDI• Format for TenneT

Powel Standard messages for Albania, Austria, Belgium, BosniaHerzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United KingdomOpenlink

Sinergetica EDI, KISS, DAMAS, ESS 3/4, ESS, RTE, ENTSOE, JAO, APG

VisoTech ENTSOE ESS, KISS, RTE Schedule


Results overview

Functionalities: monitoringFor Power, the vast majority of the solutions support the view of the nomination in the most basic granularities (hourly, half-hourly and quarter-hourly). Some systems display greater flexibility and offer additional granularities.

For gas, only a single vendor does not provide the monitoring of gas capacities, as he considers this to be a function covered by the ETRM solution in place.

Tab. 10 Functionalities: monitoring (power)

VendorIn the position management function, is it possible to change the view of the nomination data between hourly, halfhourly and quarterhourly?

Brady Yes

EGSSIS Yes

eZnergy Yes

GMSL Yes

KISTERS Yes

Pioneer Solutions Yes

Powel • Yes• Other granularities (10 minutes, daily, monthly,…) also possibleOpenlink

Sinergetica• Yes• Standard Configuration View is set up according to market

granularity

VisoTech Yes

Tab. 11 Functionalities: monitoring (gas)

VendorIn the position management function, is it possible to monitor the available capacities? Are notifications available?

EGSSIS Yes

eZnergy Yes

Globaleris Yes

GMSL Yes

KISTERS

• No• The position management function is part of the ETRM system,

but the capacities can be monitored in the Scheduling Cockpit. Notifications are also possible.

Pioneer Solutions Yes

PowelYes

Openlink

Sinergetica Yes

VisoTech Yes


Results overview

Other functionalitiesIn terms of functionalities not directly related to the scheduling process, basic functions such as user privileges, audit logs, versioning and archiving of messages, and nominations are available in all systems.

The distinction between vendors is thus seen in the various degrees of flexibility (or lack thereof) when it comes to GUI customisation or in the availability of a document management functionality.

Moreover, although most providers offer a set of standard reports, there is a wide range in the number and scope of such reports per vendor.

With regard to security, although all systems encrypt the data being transferred they do not all encrypt the data stored in the database, and they do not all perform regular backups of the database. It is fair to say that some vendors see this last point as the client’s responsibility, especially when it comes to an onpremise solution.

Tab. 12a Other functionalities

Vendor

Can the GUI be customised by the user?

Is it possible to open different windows simultaneously?

Is the user notified when the connection is lost? Does the system try to reconnect automatically?

Does the system record which user is logged in and is it visible which user executed specific nominations?

Can automatic email notification be configured and can the user modify the recipient?

Is there a document management functionality available?

Brady Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A

EGSSIS

No (GUI customised for client during rollout)

Yes Yes Yes Yes No

eZnergy No Yes Yes• Partially• Under development

Partially (recipient has to be changed via support)

Yes

Globaleris Partially Yes N/A Yes Yes Yes

GMSL Partially Yes Yes Yes Yes No

KISTERS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Pioneer Solutions

Yes, including columns, theme, favorites, User Defined Fields

N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes

PowelYes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Openlink

SinergeticaPartially (for reporting only)

Yes Yes Yes Yes

• No• This is a

separate module.

VisoTech Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes


Results overview

Tab. 12b Other functionalities

Vendor Which standard reports are available?Is the data saved regularly as a backup?

Can the saved data in the DB be encrypted?

Is the transferred data encrypted?

BradyPosition report (position per control area/balance area/counterpart, etc)

N/A No No

EGSSIS

Monthly portfolio report, monthly positions report, sales report, consumption mismatch report, capacity overshoot report, temperatures report, request report (commodity), forecast versions report, provisional allocations report, final allocations report, yearly portfolio report

• Yes• Daily

No Yes

eZnergyNomination report, realtime nomination report, message content, balancing report, position report

• Yes• Daily, weekly,

monthly

Only passwords and other critical information

Yes

Globaleris

• Balance, demand behaviour, economics• Capacity position for any facility, daily

allocations, trades, network position, reconciliation, position,…

• Yes• Using Azure DB

backup capabilities

• Yes• Azure Transparent

Data Encryption

• Yes• HTTPS

GMSL

Capacity position, capacity trades, daily allocations, fixed trades, latest flows, metered quantities, network allocations, network position, steering position, swing contract history, swing latest BDR nominations, trade latest notifications, trade reconciliation reports, shift handover reports, position reports

Yes Yes Yes

KISTERS N/A Yes Yes Yes

Pioneer Solutions• Position report• Excel addin• Power BI (the free version)

• Yes• Weekly

N/A Yes

PowelPowel DeltaXE supports reports through configurable excel exports, an embedded reporting engine where standard PDF/excel/csv reports can be configured and can also be connected through standard protocols to standard BI tools.

• Yes• Running on

Oracle DBYes Yes

Openlink

Sinergetica

Bids summary, unit synoptic, hourly programs, imbalance details, market settlement, daily allocations, Bids and nomination forecast. Additional reports can be added in the initial configuration.

• Yes• When implemented

in Cloud each 5 mins.

No. Data can be encrypted in the Back Up DB only.

Yes

VisoTech N/A Yes Yes Yes

In addition to the above table, the results show that all solutions are able to assign different privileges to a user (eg, super user, operations, etc) and that all solutions support archiving and identifying different versions of messages and nominations.


Results overview

Tab. 13 Implementation

VendorIs a demo version of the software available to clients?

How long does the software implementation take until its full operative capacity is reached?

What does the training concept look like and what is its scope?

BradyDemo version exists, but not available for clients to use

1 monthTraining/demo could be delivered upon interest.

EGSSIS Yes Couple of months

Training is given by our staff, two days in the client offices, we hand over a manual and plan some days via web conference to answer questions and go through scenarios. Training can be done on demo platform.

eZnergy Yes 2–3 months

We usually do web training with customers and go through the whole operations process. During first weeks after golive, we keep a very proactive and close eye on the process and are fully available for customers.

Globaleris Yes• 2 weeks• Cloud solution

A regular user is ready to start working with the solution after a couple of twohour training sessions.

GMSL Yes 1–3 months

We recommend two training sessions: one covering general use of the software and one for “super users” covering more advanced usage and configuration. These can be arranged at GMSL or on site at the customer’s offices.

KISTERS Yes• 2–5 days if the ETRM/PM is a

KISTERS system

Working with the Kisters Scheduling Cockpit is quite simple. Thus a short training session is sufficient.

Pioneer Solutions

Yes• N/A• Selfconfiguration when via

www.trmtracker.com

During implementation the core team is trained. Endusers are trained by instructorled classes by functional area, either on site or online.

PowelYes ~1–3 months

Enduser training for the system usage. Power user and administrator training for the configuration of the system and support/operations.Openlink

Sinergetica Yes 1–3 months

The number of training sessions can be mutually agreed. Normally Sinergetica delivers training sessions on site. Webinar can be arranged if required. Periodically, Sinergetica arranges vertical “Academy” on software enhancements, new releases, new functionalities, regulatory changes.

VisoTechNo, but a proof of concept is offered

• 1–1.5 months• For one country (each additional

country 1–2 weeks)

VISOTECH offers regular training slots for Periotheus users and system administrators.

ImplementationFrom the information provided, we see that most vendors possess a demo version of their solution. We also see that implementation time varies from a couple of days (when the scheduling solution is a bolt-on module for the ETRM from the same vendor) to three months (based on the scope of the project such as the number of markets to be implemented).

The scope and extent of user training also varies by vendor

https://www.trmtracker.com/


Results overview

CostsAs expected, cost is always a sensitive issue for vendors.

Pricing schemes vary with each system vendor. As most systems involve licence costs (which in turn depend on the number of markets to be implemented, the number of users, etc), some vendors price the service they offer (where the price may depend of the volume of energy managed by the client) rather than the software itself.

With regard to maintenance and support, some vendors charge a standard fee of 20% of the licence costs while others include it in an annual fee, which is revisited on a regular basis.

The pricing scheme for implementation costs also varies across vendors. Some include these costs in the annual fee while others charge based on scope and length of implementation. The same applies for the training costs.

VendorWhich licence costs apply? Are these per user, module, installation?

Are there maintenance or support costs involved? How high are these costs?

Are there additional licence costs for other proprietary technology or thirdparty software?

How high are the implementation/installation/configuration costs?

BradyLicence costs depend on modules (TSOs) installation and number of users – included in services fees.

Yes Yes – EPEX related N/A

EGSSIS

Licences are per country and per activity in the country. Licensing Power and Gas are separate (two software tools).

We apply 15% maintenance costs on the software licences paid in the previous calendar year. This covers all updates, reasonable change requests, our IT team on duty.

No

Dependent on scope, how many countries, how many connections with how many TSOs

eZnergy

There are no licence costs. We sell our solution as a service. There is a setup cost for implementation and a monthly fee for usage of the service (based on the number of functionalities, users, interfaces).

Maintenance costs are included in the monthly fee.

NoDepends on the setup to be done

Globaleris

Monthly fee is set depending on the volume of gas managed by the company. This fee includes licenses, maintenance costs, regulatory evolutions, technical and functional support and evolution, hosting, HW/SW monitoring, backups, etcNo setup cost

Maintenance costs are included in the monthly fee.

No

There are no extra costs for implementation or configuration.

GMSL

Pricing is per installation and depends on the number of markets supported, with some peruser costs for SaaS.

An annual support fee is payable.

If the product is installed on site (not as Saas), you will need to licence appropriate DB software (Oracle or SQL Server).

Implementation costs are charged on a daily rate.

KISTERS

The licence costs depend on different factors like amount of markets, processes, interfaces to source systems, etc.

The maintenance and support costs are 20% p.a. of the licence price.

NoThe costs depend on the project.

Pioneer Solutions

Per userMaintenance costs are 20% of the licence fee annually.

No

This depends strongly on the scope and the Implementation approach.

Tab. 14a Costs


Results overview

VendorWhich licence costs apply? Are these per user, module, installation?

Are there maintenance or support costs involved? How high are these costs?

Are there additional licence costs for other proprietary technology or thirdparty software?

How high are the implementation/installation/configuration costs?

PowelLicence is based on number of users, functional modules and number of markets/nomination messages. It can be a perpetual onetime licence price, or a licence leasing, or a SaaS subscription fee.

Maintenance includes support. It also includes a market update service to take care of changes in the TSO communication. Annual maintenance fee is 20% of the licence value.

No, everything is included.

This depends strongly on the scope and the implementation approach.Openlink

Sinergetica

Licence costs are per: number of users; number of market areas/countries/TSOs; commodities; automatic market datalinker; project implementation

An annual fee applies for M&S, and cloud (if required).

NoThis depends on the project Scope.

VisoTech

The price is module based and depends on the market coverage and usually varies between €50,000 and €150,000.

The maintenance can be chosen from 11% to 19% depending on the service (eg, free upgrade…). The support starts at €8,000 and goes up to €39,000 for 24/7 service.

VISOTECH uses no thirdparty solution in the scheduling management product.

The price depends on the market coverage and usually varies between €15,000 and €50,000.

Continuation Tab. 14a Costs

VendorHow high are the costs for the user training?

Are there additional costs for software updates/upgrades?

Are there any other costs involved?

Brady N/A• No• Part of support/maintenance agreement

N/A

EGSSISWe charge the number of days that you require us to be in your office at a normal daily rate.

No No

eZnergy Depends on the number of users to trainUpdates and upgrades are included in the monthly fee. Only additional functionalities will bring higher monthly fees.

N/A

Globaleris There are no extra costs for training. No No

GMSLTraining costs are charged on a daily rate.

No No

KISTERS

In general the costs for the user training are included in the project and depend on the complexity of the communication processes.

There are no separate costs for updates. They are included in the maintenance and support fee.

No, there are no further costs.

Pioneer Solutions

N/A

Software updates are part of the yearly maintenance agreement. Software upgrades (major upgrade) for existing licenced functionality is free but the implementation is charged. If logistics happens to be part of a Pioneer SaaS offering delivered via trmtracker.com, then updates and upgrades are included.

No

PowelDepends on the number of training days

New releases are included in the maintenance fee.

In addition to standard support, POWEL offers optional oncall service 7d/12h or 7d/24h.Openlink

Sinergetica No costs for training.Included in the annual fee for maintenance and service

No.

Tab. 14b Costs



Results overview

Tab. 15a Flexibility

Vendor How flexible is the software in regard to regulatory changes? Which steps are necessary in a system upgrade?

BradyFlexible – compliance with all market and regulatory changes is absolute must.

DB backup, configuration, deployment, downtime.

EGSSIS We release in sprints of 4–6 weeks.Releasing on test environment at EGSSIS/testing/software updates after having detected a new version/system reboot

eZnergyRegulatory changes are implemented internally. Process is fully transparent for user and delivered accordingly to regulatory timeframe.

We have a continuous delivery policy as our service is webbased.

GlobalerisThe solution takes charge of any regulatory change that may arise in the markets with no extra cost for the client.

The solution releases a new version every 2–3 months. This process is automatic and transparent for the user.

GMSL

Regulatory changes can often be handled through configuration changes alone. We provide guidance and documentation on the changes required. If software updates are required due to regulatory changes, these are always provided at no additional cost.

Database, application server and client upgrades have to be performed. If using our software hosting service, this is all carried out on your behalf.

KISTERS

Regulatory changes are managed by the continuous delivery of software updates. If only single market rules are changed, this can be added or replaced in the KISTERS Scheduling Cockpit without the need for a complete update process and testing cycle for the customer.

In case of on premise installation the customers can roll out the updates and upgrades via an automatic installation tool. In case of SaaS the upgrade will be performed by KISTERS

Pioneer Solutions

Regulatory changes such as a change to an existing standard communication interface are covered by the maintenance agreement. Entire new market operations with completely new and different protocols may require an upgrade fee.

N/A

Powel Market changes can be handled by configuration and mostly don’t need software updates. POWEL provides its clients a market update service for changing market rules to ensure that the clients systems are always uptodate.

Deployment of the new software release and interface components and the migration scripts on the test environment, user acceptance test, deployment on productive system, golive

Openlink

SinergeticaThe architectural framework of Perseo Suite allows full flex regulatory maintenance.

Scheduled software interruption (about two hours) for new version installation.

VisoTechSome regulatory changes are covered by the maintenance contract. For changes not covered by the maintenance contract, VISOTECH will adapt the system accordingly.

The upgrade is done by VISOTECH Operations within an agreed time slot.

FlexibilityAll of the solutions presented are flexible when it comes to implementing regulatory changes and delivering system upgrades (especially those whose application is web-based).

Very few vendors, however, allow the further development of their software solution by the user.

Additionally, the scope of the service support offered varies by vendor, ranging from level two support to 24/7 assistance.

VendorHow high are the costs for the user training?

Are there additional costs for software updates/upgrades?

Are there any other costs involved?

VisoTechThe user training is included in the project price.

The upgrade is free of charge with a continuous maintenance contract.

Hardware has to be provided by he customer (on premise), no hosting costs are included (hosted version)

Continuation Tab. 14b Costs


Results overview

Tab. 15b Flexibility

VendorCan the user further develop the software without involving the provider? What is covered by the system support?

Brady No Depends on the type of deployment hosted on premises

EGSSIS NoDowntime and interventions/24hour standby of EGSSIS Business Operations desk/24hour standby of the EGSSIS IT team

eZnergy Yes (using our REST API)Bug management, corrective and evolutive maintenance, system monitoring

Globaleris Yes, making use of our standard API RESTTechnical and functional support, and software evolution – regulatory or not.

GMSL NoSupport covers technical and user support, software changes due to regulatory changes, and access to new features added to the software.

KISTERS NoGeneral development, changes in existing market rules and software support due to general help and error handling are included.

Pioneer Solutions

• The system has a high degree of userconfigurability (e.g. templates, formulas, book structures, and reporting). In case the right functionality cannot be achieved this way, Pioneer allows user customization via extension of data models, calculation logic, document creation, and data import/export, and reporting

• If beyond this, then only if the customer acquires the source code.

Pioneer provides its support based on a service level agreement. This includes defect fixes, howto questions and regular updates/enhancements as Pioneer makes those available to other customers from time to time (not major upgrades).

Powel Most adaptions and extensions can be done by the client by configuration and in addition with the integrated scripting engine.

Support via email and phone, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis of issues, finding workarounds, bug fixing, help, issue tracking systemMaintenance covers: support, new releases, market update serviceOpenlink

Sinergetica To some extent only, by using R languageHelp Desk, 2 level support, Regulatory maintenance, Sinergetica Academy (quarterly based training sessions on existing and/or new Sinergetica products).

VisoTechYes, Periotheus offers an integrated development toolset. If chosen, the customer can develop further processes on their own.

System support covers all typical support requirements, such as email, phone calls, ticketing.


Results overview

Tab. 16 References and documentation

Vendor Current referencesWhich standard documentation is delivered together with the software implementation?

Brady AXPO Trading AG User manual, system user guide

EGSSISEnovos Naturgy, Gas Natural Europe, Freepoint, European Energy Pooling, Nitrofer, Greenchoice, EDISON, PGNI, ENOI

User manual• technical guidance to install the thin client• for the web version, you only need an URL, login and

user rights

eZnergyDirect Energie/Total, Statkraft, ENI Gas & Power, Solvay Energie Services, Dalkia, Nature Energy

User manual and API documentation

Globaleris European energy leaders. Can be provided on request.• User manual.• And a brief reference document is provided with each

new release.

GMSLOver 80 software clients including BP Gas Marketing, Koch Supply & Trading, Société Générale, Shell Energy Europe, Vitol SA.

Manual, interface documentation and XSDs, prerequisites, installation guide

KISTERSBS Energy, Lichtblick SE, 50Hertz Transmission, GASAG Berliner Gaswerke, Energieunion

A user manual (online help) and a technical documentation are available.

Pioneer Solutions N/AOnline user manual, a system implementation document (one time) for onsite installations

Powel E.ON, Freepoint, Gunvor, Statkraft Market, Trailstone, Vattenfall Energy Trading and others

User manual, system documentation, technical documentation, configuration manual is included.Openlink

Sinergetica NDA Online wiki and manuals

VisoTech

• We support approximately 80% of all nominations in Gas and Power in Austria.

• STEAG, VERBUND, IBERDOLA, OMV, Salzburg AG, Energie Steiermark

Online standard documentation, system description, user handbook and training documents

References and documentationThe references below provide an indication of the geographical zones in which the different vendors are active. As some were not able to disclose, they should be contacted directly for further references.

Regarding documentation, all vendors supply comprehensive information on their solution upon implementation.


Results overview

Additional servicesBesides the core scheduling system application (on-premise or cloud/SaaS) some vendors offer IaaS (infrastructure as a service) and even BPO (business process outsourcing).

Additionally, some offer services such as 24/7 dispatching and nomination on behalf of their clients.

Other vendors use the additional modules of their software solution as leverage in order to offer services like forecasting, optimisation and trading capabilities.

Tab. 17 Additional services

VendorAre any of the following offered by the system provider? BPO, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS Which additional services are offered?

Brady SaaS, PaaS, IaaS Support and maintenance, DBA application management

EGSSIS We commercialise our software via SaaS. 24/7 dispatching services

eZnergy• SaaS• Our application is a web application. Hosting

and maintenance are included in the service.

• 24/7 on behalf services (nominations and matching, balancing, generation assets scheduling)

• Full dayahead and intraday management suite including automated and algorithmic trading module and assets scheduling.

Globaleris SaaS• Bespoke integrations, specific addons, etc• Additional SaaS solutions: demand forecasting (PROGNOSS)

and billing (ARGENTIA)

GMSLThe system can be hosted by GMSL and provided as a SaaS application.

• Gas and power operations services outofhours or to complement your own teams during the day or outofhours

• A message routing service is available, so GMSL can manage all your messaging connections even if you are hosting the software yourself.

KISTERS

For SaaS the solution runs in KISTERS data centre and is connected via interfaces to the ETRM system of the customer. Furthermore IaaS can be provided in the certified KISTERS data centre.

• Solutions for energy data management, portfolio management, forecasting, virtual power plant management, metering and smart grid/control technology/SCADA

• KISTERS offers turnkey solutions and provides guidance and support as a fullrange product and service supplier.

Pioneer Solutions

Pioneer SaaS via www.trmtracker.com

In case of onpremise installation the customers can roll out the updates and upgrades via an automatic installation tool. In case of SaaS via TRMTracker.com the upgrade will be performed by Pioneer

Powel

DeltaXE is offered on premise, in the customermanaged cloud or as SaaS.

POWEL provides a lot additional software solutions like forecasting, production planning, multiasset optimisation, portfolio management, intraday trading, algotrading, and all related services.

OpenlinkOur partner provides a lot of additional software solutions like forecasting, production planning, multiasset optimisation, intraday trading or algotrading.

Sinergetica BPO, SaaS, IaasManagement consulting related to the applicationsupported business processes

VisoTech

• SaaS: the customer pays a yearly fee which includes the software, the infrastructure and maintenance.

• IaaS: the customer pays a perpetual licence, a yearly maintenance fee and a hosting fee.

Shortterm energy trading




Challenges in the selection of a system solution

G Challenges in the selection of a system solution

Implementation of a system solution should follow a thorough and meticulous selection process. In this stage, the different user requirements should be catalogued and compared with the functionalities that the different providers offer.

Fig. 1 Software Selection Workflow

Preparation of RfP Request for proposal process Vendor selection and negotiation

Phase C

Final recommendation of vendors

6

Support SLA negotiation

7

Phase B

Compare the offers and recom mend vendors for sales meeting

5

Prepare request for proposal

4

Phase A

Introduction to ETRM selection (kickoff)

1Identify potential system providers “longlist”

3

Verify list of business requirements

2

Coordination, communication and documentation

The graphic above shows the different phases and milestones in the software selection process. Failure to follow this strict process often results in decisions made on an intuitive level.

There are plenty of reasons for this: besides shortcomings in the methodology (such as insufficient involvement of all stakeholders during definition of the requirements or insufficient scrutiny of the vendor’s specifications and software demo) time and personnel restrictions often hinder the precise execution of the process depicted above.

Additionally, failure to objectivise the selection of a software by tools such as scoring models can result in political motivation and other factors influencing the final decision.


Conclusions

H Conclusions

In recent years, political resolutions have induced a series of changes that affect utility companies and the IT solutions they use to support their processes. One clear example is the increased dependency on renewable energies that led to the rise of intraday markets, which in turn led to the creation of new technologies such as auto trade technology.

As we have shown in this study, the basic requirements of the scheduling functionality are covered by all vendors. The main differentiating factors between them thus lie in the number of markets that they currently serve out of the box and in the degree of automation that they support.

Many of the challenges that the energy markets face today are already a prerequisite of all scheduling solutions presented. Supporting intraday nomination and being able to operate in the cloud are examples of this.

Moving forward, however, next generation solutions will rely more on artificial intelligence in order to enhance features such as auto-trade (and thus auto-scheduling). Many of the vendors presented in this study have already incorporated this technology to a certain degree, while others have included this requirement in their roadmap for future product development.


Our expertise

I Our expertise

By far the biggest audit and consultancy firm for utilities companies in Germany, PwC possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to help its clients in all areas relevant for the energy industry – from the design of the IT landscape to the integration of marketing and procurement processes, from the definition of risk management to the financial reporting-oriented conception of segmentation and safeguard strategies.

We constantly leverage this expertise in order to accompany our clients in a variety of projects focused on the selection and implementation of system solutions. Additionally, we offer them access to industry references and assist them in the timely identification of potential obstacles.

In order to achieve a successful selection and implementation of a software solution in your organisation, we advise our clients using our proprietary methodology, which includes:• Design of the IT strategy (general direction with respect to the IT systems

and process support)• Conceptual support in the integration of existing systems, software expertise

and implementation support (system- and process-oriented)• Assessment and quality assurance throughout the project, as well as certification• Software selection (creation of a criteria catalogue, support in the decision-

making process, etc)• Drafting of processes and specifications• Project management and quality assurance with regards to software implementation

As a reliable partner, we offer you services tailored to your specific needs. This way, the necessary functionalities can be efficiently integrated with your organisation’s processes and IT landscape.


Contacts

Contacts

About PwCOur clients face diverse challenges, strive to put new ideas into practice and seek expert advice. They turn to us for comprehensive support and practical solutions that deliver maximum value. Whether for a global player, a family business or a public institution, we leverage all of our assets: experience, industry knowledge, high standards of quality, commitment to innovation and the resources of our expert network in 158 countries. Building a trusting and cooperative relationship with our clients is particularly important to us – the better we know and understand our clients’ needs, the more effectively we can support them.

PwC. More than 11,000 dedicated people at 21 locations. €2.2 billion in turnover. The leading auditing and consulting firm in Germany.

Angel Matía HuélamoSenior ManagerMobile: +34 683 [email protected]

Ingo PassenbergSenior ManagerMobile: +49 171 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Publications

Publications

PwC is an independent and objective advisor in the energy sector. Having extensive knowledge of the industry and always being proactive, we continually publish studies on new trends and subjects of interest, which we gladly share with our partners.

The publications below serve as an example for the innovative knowledge and expert tools which are available to us.

The following is a selection of other available studies (in German only):• Evaluation of Systems for Automated Energy Trading in the Intraday Market• IT Solutions for Portfolio Management in the Energy Economy• The Convergence of the Physical and Financial Commodity Markets• IT Integration of EMIR and REMIT in Your Enterprise• Decentralised Energy Supply

www.pwc.com/utilities

PwC power & utilities roundtable discussion paper

Market design in a world of energy transformation

www.pwc.com/energy

New Energy FuturesPerspectives on the transformation of the oil and gas sector

Global demand for affordable, reliable energy will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, but there is a new longer-term backdrop as the world transitions to a low carbon system. Companies in the oil and gas sector need to reconsider their portfolio and related capabilities to not only survive, but thrive, in this new future.

Electricity beyond the gridAccelerating access to sustainable power for all

PwC global power & utilities

PwC viewpoint informed by insights from industry participants in Africa and Asia.

A look at how standalone electricity and mini-grids can increase access to electricity.

What are the steps that can accelerate momentum for electrification?

www.pwc.com/utilities

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/oil-gas-energy/pdf/new-energy-futures.pdf

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwju27T0jYvfAhUFDewKHSzEB4IQFjAAegQIBRAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pwc.de%2Fde%2Fenergiewirtschaft%2Fmarket-design-in-a-world-of-energy-transformation.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3e4Kaxwi7bbOzRxsDO2DI2

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjSyKmKjovfAhVNzKQKHWoQCgwQFjAAegQICRAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pwc.com%2Fgx%2Fen%2Fenergy-utilities-mining%2Fpdf%2Felectricity-beyond-grid.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2WDbBFAt9D2-rfl-X30H8n

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjWiPO-jovfAhUF3aQKHZAsDRAQFjAAegQICRAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.strategyand.pwc.com%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F2017-Power-and-Utilities-Industry-Trends.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1_87GSAnA0CLG9Dp25gg4T

https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/media/file/Navigating-the-transformation-of-the-gas-market.pdf

www.pwc.de

www.pwc.de

Documents

Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and ... · Evaluation of Scheduling Systems for the European Gas and Power Markets 5 Preface Preface It has been over ten years