Use of the grid
Updated: 18.01.2019
Author: Ilze Upatniece
The transmission grid operator is obliged to transmit electricity from renewable energy sources (§ 13 par. 1 Electricity Market Law). It shall not discriminate between or against producers of electricity from renewable energy sources. The amount of electricity to be transmitted may be limited only in case of insufficient grid capacity or emergency.
Procedure
| Process flow | The claim for transmission arises on the date of connection of the plant to the grid. |
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| Competent authority | Ministry of Economy, Public Utilities Commission (PUC) |
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| Obligation to inform | Grid operator: The grid operator shall notify the plant operator in writing of any change to the grid system that might have an impact on the operation of the electricity generation plant at least 30 days beforehand (3.5. Regulation No. 1/3). Plant operator: The plant operator shall provide information on the load factor of his plant and on changes to the installed capacity to the grid operator on request (4.1. Regulation No. 1/3). |
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Priority to renewable energy
- Priority to renewable energy
- Non-discrimination
Renewable energy is not given priority. The transmission grid operator shall comply with the principles of fairness, openness and equality (§ 13 par. 1 Electricity Market Law).
Capacity limits (quantitative criteria)
The grid operator may refuse to connect a plant to the grid if grid capacity is insufficient. It shall give a reason for its refusal in writing within 30 days (§ 9 par. 4 Electricity Market Law).
Curtailment
The transmission grid operator may refuse to transmit electricity to prevent system overload (§ 13 par. 5 Electricity Market Law). In case of emergency (environmental emergency, voltage loss) or risk of injury, damage to electric devices or impairment of the operation of the grid, the grid operator may request plant operators to reduce the output of their plants or even take measures to reduce the output of certain plants (no. 69-73 Regulation No. 1/3).
Distribution of costs
| Consumers | The costs of use of the grid are borne by the consumers. |
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| Distribution mechanism | According to the regulatory authority, the costs of grid use are borne by the grid operator. The grid operator passes on the costs to the consumers through the electricity price. |
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