‘Baseline Electricity Consumption’, in MWh, means the average electricity consumption at the installation (including electricity consumption for the production of out-sourced products eligible for aid) over the reference period 2005-2011 (baseline electricity consumption) for installations operating every year from 2005 to 2011.
A given calendar year (e.g. 2009) may be excluded from that 7-year reference period.
If the installation did not operate for at least one year from 2005 to 2011, the baseline electricity consumption will be defined as yearly electricity consumption until there are four years of operation on record, and afterwards it will be defined as the average of the preceding three years for which operation has been recorded.
If, over the aid granting period, an installation significantly extends its production capacity, the baseline electricity consumption can be increased in proportion to this capacity extension.
If an installation reduces its production level in a given calendar year by 50% to 75% compared to the baseline output, the installation will only receive half of the aid amount corresponding to the baseline electricity consumption.
If an installation reduces its production level in a given calendar year by 75% to 90% compared to the baseline output, the installation will only receive 25% of the aid amount corresponding to the baseline electricity consumption.
If an installation reduces its production level in a given calendar year by 90% or more compared to the baseline output, the installation will receive no aid.
The source of the definition - European Commission Communication on Guidelines on Certain State Aid Measures in the Context of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Allowance Trading Scheme Post 2012 C(2012) 3230 final {SWD(2012) 130 final} {SWD(2012) 131 final} of 22 May 2012.