Use of the grid
Updated: 06.02.2019
Author: Moïra Jimeno
Operators of renewable energy plants are contractually entitled against the grid operator to the transmission of electricity.
Entitled party. The persons entitled are the plant operators.
Obligated party. The companies obligated are the grid operators, namely the Transmission System Operator (Rede Eléctrica Nacional, S.A. - REN) and the Distribution System Operator (mainly EDP Distribuição).
Procedure
| Process flow | Operators of renewable energy plants are contractually entitled against the grid operator to the transmission of electricity. |
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| Deadlines | Deadlines may be specified in the contractual terms. |
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Priority to renewable energy
- Priority to renewable energy
- Non-discrimination
As a rule, use of the grid shall be granted according to the principle of non-discrimination. Besides, priority shall be given to electricity produced from renewable energy sources, except for hydro plants with an installed capacity exceeding 30 MW (art. 33W DL 172/2006 amended by DL 215-B/2012).
Curtailment
Capacity limits may be imposed only if the maximum capacity of the grid is reached. In this case, the grid operator shall make the implementation of the grid expansion and the investment plan a priority. Unless the plan has already been implemented, the plant operator and the grid operator may conclude an agreement on limited electricity imports.
Distribution of costs
| Others | The electricity suppliers bear the costs for the use of the grid (art. 44 par. 2 DL 29/2006). |
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Portugal