Organizational Changes and Management Challenges Induced by New Operational Security Requirements and Trends for Integration of European TSOs

Abstract

A rapid rate of change characterizes European electricity markets. New government regulations, new products and services, growing renewables, increased competition, technological developments, and an evolving workforce compel Transmission System Operators to undertake changes on a regular basis.  Current operational security requirements and trends for integration of some functions of European TSOs might imply significant organizational changes.

In our current paper, we address the key management challenges induced by organizational changes of European TSOs. We join the debate of scholars and industry professionals of change management with a clear need of revisiting some fundamental questions in relation of TSOs and their operational security.

Based on our research, we can conclude that European TSOs should engage in continuous organizational changes to achieve higher performance and coordination among themselves. A key question of decision-makers is how to identify champions who will become local change agents in their organizations. Change agents must be efficient in handling resistance to change.

In a rapidly changing environment, the knowledge that is most useful to TSOs helps them change and perform effectively. To achieve relevance and generate knowledge that is useful for TSOs there is a need for cooperation between academics and industry professionals to fully understand complex problems and contribute to solutions.

Keywords: Organizational changes, change management, knowledge management, TSO, operational security, European electricity market