EIC codes

An EIC code (Energy Identification Code) is a standardised European identifier used in energy markets to uniquely identify market participants and various market objects. EIC codes enable reliable and automated data exchange between market parties and transmission system operators. The EIC scheme is widely used across Europe, and it can be used to identify parties and objects in different market processes.

In Finland, Fingrid issues EIC codes for market participants operating in Finland.

When an EIC code is needed

An EIC code is needed when an entity participates in energy-market data exchange or when a market object must be uniquely identified in accordance with the European standard. Typical use cases include:

• participation in Fingrid’s reserve markets
• identification of metering areas
• identification of power plants, consumption units and other resources
• data exchange between distribution system operators
• cross-border interconnections
  
  

The code is unique across Europe. The same entity or object receives only one code, and the code is not changed, for example, due to a company name change. The code is changed only if the party’s status changes materially.

Applying for a code

You can apply for an EIC code by email: lio@fingrid.fi. Detailed application instructions are available in the Links section on the right-hand side of the page.

An EIC code is an identifier used for data exchange; it does not in itself grant the right to operate in energy markets.

Types of EIC codes

EIC codes can be used to identify different market parties and objects:

• X code – market participants (companies)
• Y code – grid areas and metering areas
• Z code – energy metering points
• W code – resource objects (generation, consumption, storage)
• T code – cross-border interconnections
• V code – physical or logical locations
• A code – substations (stations and lines)

An EIC X code is always created when a party applies for any other EIC code and does not already have an X code. The X code serves as a background identifier even if it is not used in the actual data exchange.

For example, a distribution system operator (DSO) typically needs both an X code (the company) and a Y code (the metering area).

Y code - metering area (MGA)

EIC Y codes are used to identify metering areas both in the Datahub and in imbalance settlement.

• If the metering area’s exchange point is in the distribution grid: the metering area must be created in the Datahub, after which the DSO can create the required exchange points in the Datahub.
• All new metering areas must be reported to eSett so that they can be taken into use in imbalance settlement. Fingrid issues the EIC code but does not submit the notification to eSett on the customer’s behalf.
  
  

Other networks may also apply for their own Y code if the grid area is treated as a separate metering area in the national imbalance settlement.

If the company applying for a Y code does not already have an EIC X code, it will be created at the same time.

Issuing of codes

The administration of EIC codes is the responsibility of ENTSO-E and the national issuing offices. In Finland, Fingrid acts as the local EIC issuing office. Codes are issued in accordance with harmonised European rules to ensure that identifiers are consistent and permanent.

A list of issued EIC codes is available in the Links section on the right-hand side of the page.