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Transmission system operator
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<p>A transmission system operator (TSO) is an entity entrusted with transporting energy in the form of <a href="/facts/Natural_gas/9MYQ7NAP">natural gas</a> or electrical power on a national or regional level, using fixed <a href="/facts/Infrastructure/QJvbsSpl">infrastructure</a>. The term is defined by the European Commission. The certification procedure for transmission system operators is listed in Article 10 of the Electricity and Gas Directives of 2009. </p><p>Due to the cost of establishing a transmission infrastructure, such as <a href="/facts/Power_transmission_line/I9w3lRmM">main power lines</a> or gas main lines and associated connection points, a TSO is usually a <a href="/facts/Natural_monopoly/Mgy20eU3">natural monopoly</a>, and as such is often subjected to regulations. </p><p>In electrical power business, a TSO is an operator that <a href="/facts/Electric_power_transmission/I9w3lRmM">transmits electrical power</a> from generation plants over the <a href="/facts/Electrical_grid/RkWPqjmG">electrical grid</a> to regional or local <a href="/facts/Electric_power_distribution/F5NfTeWP">electricity distribution</a> operators. </p><p>In natural gas business, a TSO receives gas from producers, transports it via pipeline through an area and delivers to gas distribution companies. </p><p>The United States has similar organizational categories: <a href="/facts/Independent_system_operator/aTlFquQK">independent system operator</a> (ISO) and <a href="/facts/Regional_transmission_organization/aTlFquQK">regional transmission organization</a> (RTO). </p>