Use of the grid

Updated: 08.01.2019

Author: Georgios Maroulis

The Irish grid operators are obliged to provide an offer for use to every operator of a (renewable) energy plant if the plant operator has applied for use of the grid (Sec. 34 (1) ERA). A plant operator's contractual claim for use of the grid arises, when the grid use agreement is concluded. 

Entitled party. The entities entitled are the plant operators (4 CER/05/049).

Obligated party. The entity obligated is the grid operator (Sec. 34 (1) ERA).

In accordance with Sec. 9 (5) (e) ERA and Sec. 4 (1) (a), (b) S.I. 147/2011, renewable energy shall be given priority dispatch.

Procedure

Process flow

In order to be able to use the grid, a plant operator shall apply to the grid operator for use of the grid (Sec. 34 (1) ERA). The grid operators are obliged by law to make an offer for use of the grid (Sec. 34 (1) ERA). Where a plant operator accepts this offer, this operator is contractually entitled against the other party to use the grid. Connection to and use of the grid are usually covered by a single agreement.

Deadlines

The period of entitlement to use of the grid is defined in the grid use agreement between the plant operator and the grid operator.

Priority to renewable energy

  • Priority to renewable energy
  • Non-discrimination

According to Sec. 9 (5) (e) ERA and Sec. 4 (1) (a), (b) S.I. 147/2011, renewable energy shall be given priority dispatch unless the priority for renewable energy installations poses a risk to the security and stability of the grid.

Curtailment

Concerning curtailment in tie-break situations, a pro rata approach (equal allocation of curtailment between all wind farms, regardless of the level of firm connection) along with  the removal of Dispatch Balancing Costs (DBC) compensation for curtailment by 1 January 2018 was foreseen (3.1 SEMC/03/10). In general, if a wind unit is constrained due to local issues, it is compensated based on the decremental bid curve, but if the curtailment is system-wide, curtailed units are compensated at a curtailment price determined for each unit based on their undelivered day-ahead market commitments (SEM/15/165).

Distribution of costs

Plant operator

The costs arising from the use of the grid are borne by the plant operators, who have to pay service charges (34 (4) ERA in conjunction with 4.8 (5) CER/05/049).

Ireland
Electricity
Heating & Cooling
Transport

Further information

Basic information on legal sources