For determining the end of the start-up period and the beginning of the shut-down period, the following rules shall apply:

1. (1)

   the criteria or parameters used to determine start-up and shut-down periods shall be transparent and externally verifiable;

2. (2)

   the determination of start-up and shut-down periods shall be based on conditions allowing a stable generation process safeguarding health and safety;

3. (3)

   periods during which a combustion plant, after start-up, is operating stably and safely with fuel supply but without the export of heat or electricity or mechanical energy shall not be included in the start-up or shut-down periods.