AUC vs. DUC
In 2023, the terminal AUC was -0.3% (or -0.59 €2017) lower than the planned DUC. This results from the combination of lower than planned terminal costs in real terms (-2.1%, or -1.5 M€2017) and lower than planned TNSUs (-1.8%). It should be noted that actual inflation index in 2023 was +15.7 p.p. higher than planned.
Terminal service units
The difference between actual and planned TNSUs (-1.8%) falls inside the ±2% dead band. Hence loss of terminal revenues is borne by the ANSPs.
Terminal costs by entity
Actual real terminal costs are -2.1% (-1.5 M€2017) lower than planned. This is the result of lower costs for the main ANSP, LVNL (-1.9%, or -1.3 M€2017) and the MET service provider (-9.1%, or -0.2 M€2017).
Terminal costs for the main ANSP at charging zone level
Slightly lower than planned terminal costs in real terms for LVNL in 2023 (-1.9%, or -1.3 M€2017) result from:
- Significantly lower staff costs (-6.2%), due to inflation index impact (-15.7 p.p.) since in nominal terms staff costs are higher than planned by +7.1%; mainly due to summer 2023, wages increased. However, due to the tight labour market, the number of staff on LVNL’s payroll was below the performance plan’s assumptions. Pension costs were lower than expected due to a reduced pension premium;
- Significantly lower other operating costs (-6.4%) ,due to inflation index impact (-15.7 p.p.) since in nominal terms staff costs are higher than planned by +6.8%, mainly due to higher energy costs than expected and the costs of hiring external staff;
- Slightly lower depreciation (-1.3%); and,
- Significantly higher cost of capital (+673.9%) due to the higher interest rates.