The Liberalization Process and Third Party Access in the Electricity Network in Greece and the UK

Abstract: It is almost impossible to talk about liberalization of the electricity markets in Europe without at the same time considering Third Party Access to the grid. The latter, in fact, determines the degree of liberalization. This article argues that the key point in the liberalization process is to assure that consumers have a real choice of supplier and not just a legal one. Consequently, the effective exercise of the right of access to the electricity network is paramount. This article reviews liberalization of the Greek and British electricity markets. It goes through the different practices that the two Member States have employed so as to introduce competition in their national energy markets and it examines whether these practices have facilitated or impeded the Third Party Access to the electricity network, hence if they have contributed to the opening of the relevant markets.