Connection to the grid

Updated: 18.01.2019

Author: Ilze Upatniece

The grid operator is obliged to connect electricity generation plants to the grid (§ 9 par. 2 Electricity Market Law). According to the grid operator, this obligation arises from the agreement between the grid operator and the plant operators. 

Procedure

Process flow

The connection procedure is set out in the Regulation on the Connection of Electricity Producers to the Grid and includes the following steps:

  • Application for connection (par. 4 Regulation No. 280); applications for wind power plants shall be accompanied by additional documents (par. 5 Regulation No. 280).
  • The grid operator shall assess the site and notify the plant operator of the technical requirements within 60 days after receipt of the application for connection (par. 7 Regulation No. 280).
  • The plant operator shall plan the implementation of the technical requirements (par. 8 Regulation No. 280).
  • The grid operator shall approve the implementation plan; a connection agreement is concluded (par. 9 Regulation No. 280).
  • If grid capacity is insufficient, the grid shall be upgraded (par. 11 Regulation No. 280)
  • The plant operator shall notify the grid operator of the completion of an electricity generation plant at least 45 days prior to the first operation (par. 15 Regulation No. 280)
  • Finally, the grid operator shall carry out technical tests and connect the plant to the grid within 10 working days after receipt of the notification of completion (par. 16 Regulation No. 280).

Competent authority

Ministry of Economy, Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Deadlines

Grid operator:

  • The grid operator shall assess the site and notify the plant operator of the technical requirements within 60 days after receipt of the application for connection (par. 7 Regulation No. 280).
  • The grid operator shall carry out technical tests and connect the plant to the grid within 10 working days after receipt of the notification of completion (par. 16 Regulation No. 280).

Plant operator:

  • The plant operator shall notify the grid operator of the completion of the electricity generation plant at least 45 days prior to the first operation (par. 15 Regulation No. 280).

Priority to renewable energy

  • Priority to renewable energy
  • Non-discrimination

Renewable energy is not given priority. According to the grid regulator, the plant operator is entitled to non-discriminatory treatment.

Capacity limits (quantitative criteria)

The grid operator may refuse to connect a plant to the grid in case of insufficient grid capacity. It shall give a reason for its refusal in writing within 30 days (§ 9 par. 4 Electricity Market Law).

Distribution of costs

Plant operator

The costs of connecting a plant to the grid are borne by the plant operator (par. 12 Regulation No. 280).

Latvia

Further information

  • Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK) – Public Utilities Commission (PUC), regulatory authority
  • +371 670 97 200
  • SPRK website
  • sprk(at)sprk.gov.lv

Basic information on legal sources