As of 14 January 2026, electricity traders will benefit from greater flexibility in responding to real-time changes in electricity generation and consumption. ČEPS, a.s., the transmission system operator and OTE, a.s., the nominated market operator are jointly extending the gate closure time for cross-border trading on the continuous intraday market to 30 minutes before delivery. This represents an extension of 30 minutes compared to the current arrangement. The possibility to trade up to 5 minutes before delivery on OTE local continuous intraday market after the cross-border trading is closed remains unchanged.

The new rules apply to cross-border transmission capacities on the borders with Germany and Austria and are implemented in accordance with European Regulation (EU) 2024/1747.

Greater efficiency and more opportunities for market participants

“We are pleased that the Czech Republic is among the first countries to implement the new framework,” said Mr. Michal Puchel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OTE. “The extension of the cross-border intraday trading window will enhance market participants’ ability to respond to real-time changes in generation and consumption, which is key given the increasing integration of renewable energy sources with output dependent on variable conditions.”

According to ČEPS, such measures are essential in today’s market environment. “Energy markets have been extremely volatile in recent years. As the share of renewable energy sources increases, so do fluctuations in generation, which must be managed efficiently,” said Mr. Pavel Šolc, Member of the Board of Directors of ČEPS responsible for energy market operations and dispatching. “The 30-minute extension of the gate closure time for cross-border trades will enhance liquidity management across coupled markets and contribute to the secure and stable operation of the power system.”

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.