ČEPS, a.s., the transmission system operator, and OTE, a.s., the nominated electricity market operator, are extending the possibility of cross-border trading on the continuous intraday electricity market up to 30 minutes before delivery (currently 60 minutes). This change will be implemented on the borders with Germany and Austria as of the delivery day 14 January 2026.

The change, implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1747, will enable to trade electricity on the continuous intraday market using cross-border transmission capacity as of the delivery day 14 January 2026 until 23:15 CET on the respective delivery day. Afterwards, local trading will remain available without allocated cross-border capacity, until five minutes before delivery. The new, shorter gate closure time for cross-border continuous intraday trading will be introduced on the borders with Germany and Austria. The Czech Republic is thus joining other countries that are preparing to implement this adjustment at the earliest possible date. An overview of all participating countries can be found at the following link (p. 39).

Impact of Extended Cross-Border Trading

Extending the cross-border trading window allows market participants to respond more effectively to real-time changes in electricity generation and consumption. This flexibility is particularly important in light of the growing share of renewable energy sources, whose production can be variable and less predictable. The new setup will enable market participants to optimize their trading positions more efficiently, reduce imbalance costs, and contribute to overall system stability.

Trading on Borders with Poland and Slovakia Remains Unchanged

The gate closure time for cross-border continuous intraday trading on the borders with Slovakia and Poland will remain 60 minutes before delivery. This is due to requests for derogation submitted by the transmission system operators of Slovakia and Poland to their respective national regulatory authorities. Once the specific implementation date for the extended cross-border trading on these borders is confirmed, market participants will be informed in advance.