There is no reason to expect electricity disturbances this winter "under normal weather conditions," the European Commission said in a media statement on December 17 2009, quoting the findings of a co-ordination group.

The statement emerged from a report by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) at the Electricity Cross-Border Committee meeting.

Welcoming the co-ordinated approach of European electricity transport network operators, European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said: "Uninterrupted service to citizens and industry and rational use of resources available can be ensured only with good co-operation between European electricity companies.

"Information exchange between grid operators is also essential. Improved co-ordination shall reduce the risk of blackouts and help protect European consumers," Piebalgs said.

Commissioner Piebalgs had asked ENTSO-E to present their analysis of the situation as well as the preparatory and co-ordination measures by their members to prevent or minimise potential disturbances in electricity supply this winter.

The European Commission also presented a consultation document "which focuses on fair and non-discriminatory arrangements for Trans European cross-border power flows".

Even though no particular risk of shortage is expected for the winter under normal conditions, co-ordination between electricity network operators is very important in order to ensure effective real-time coordination of European grid operations, the European Commission said.

Electricity network operators are to be briefed on the action taken by the affected network operators or generators.

The Electricity Cross-Border Committee meets twice a year. EU member states are represented by the ministries responsible for energy and energy regulators.