EIC codes

Energy Identification Code (EIC) is a standard code scheme for internal European energy markets developed by ETSO (antecedent ENTSO-E). EIC identifies uniquely the market participants and other entities that are active in the European energy markets. The code scheme is a premise for reliable and efficient data exchange between the market participants and the transmission system operators, and a basis for automated electronic data interchange. EIC is widely used in Europe and all market operations are connected to a code. Generally only market parties trading internationally need EIC codes since EIC code is not used for data exchange in national retail markets.

EICs are unique throughout the whole European energy market and only one code is allocated per a data exchange party. The code will be modified only if the status of the objective changes. Thus, for example when a company alters its name the code will not be changed.

EIC can be allocated according to the following object types:

• Parties (X codes) – Market participants, i.e. companies
• Areas (Y codes) – Areas for inter System Operator data exchange
• Measuring Points (Z codes) – Energy metering points
• Resource Objects (W codes) – Production plants, consumption units, etc.
• Tie-Lines (T codes) – International power links between areas
• Location (V codes) – Physical or logical place where a market participant or IT system is located.

Only one X code will be allocated per VAT number, but for example in addition to X code, a grid company needs a Y code for the recognition of the grid area. 

EIC codes are administrated and supplied by the Central Issuing Office of ENTSO-E or Local Issuing Offices. It is recommendable to apply for an EIC from the nearest office, and in practice, Local Issuing Offices are generally transmission system operators. Fingrid has acted as an issuing office since 2014. The admission of the codes are regulated with well defined rules in order to ensure uniform allocation.

Please find the list of the issued EIC codes on right side of the page (Links).

EIC codes can be applied via email, lio@fingrid.fi. Please note that EIC is only a coding scheme and it does not guarantee the right to trade energy.