Connection to the grid

Updated: 05.02.2019

Author: Tim Sternkopf

Transmission and distribution system operators should ensure the access to the grid for all customers and system users if the technical and economic conditions are provided (Art. 13 § 1 Renewable Energy Law; Art. 29 Power Sector Law). Electricity from renewable energy sources shall have priority and guaranteed access to the electricity grid (Art. 29 Power Sector Law).

Procedure

Process flow

Any user requiring connection to the transmission system can submit a written application to the Transmission System Operator (Art. V § 2.3.1 Grid Code) and Distribution System Operator (Art. IV § 2 Distribution Code). The Grid Code and Distribution Code specify the required steps and documents for submitting the connection application.

The application for the connection to the transmission system should include: 

  • Data on the applicant’s activity field and address, 
  • Information on the System/Object to be connected, 
  • Written statement on readiness to apply the Grid Code, 
  • List of documents attached to the application for a new connection (Art. V § 3.2.2 Grid Code). 

Documents to be attached to the application include: 

  • Study on Generation Units Connection, 
  • Study on Distribution Facilities Connection that shall connect their system/object,
  • Study on Eligible Customers system/object connection, 
  • Data on equipment that generate/absorb active power, 
  • Submitted proposal with respective phases according to technical and economic studies to achieve project indicators (designing, implementation, testing and commissioning) (Art. V § 3.3.1 Grid Code). 

If the application is accepted, the applicant and the Transmission System Operator finalize a Connection Agreement (Art. V § 4.0.1 Grid Code).

The application for the connection to the distribution system shall include: 

  • Name, address, phone/fax/e-mail of the applicant, 
  • Scope of the applicant related to the connection (generation unit, distribution installments, load installments, etc),
  • Written commitment of the applicant to comply with the Distribution Code, 
  • Specific documentation attached to the application related to the  type of the distribution network where the plant should be connected (low voltage , medium voltage or high voltage) (Art. IV § 2.2.1 Distribution Code). 

If the application is successful, the applicant and the Distribution System Operator sign the Connection Agreement. 

Deadlines

The Transmission System Operator decides on the application within 60 days (Art. V  2.4 Grid Code). The Distribution Code does not provide a specific deadline for deciding on the application. 

Obligation to inform

On request of the plant operator requiring grid connection, the grid operator is obliged to provide the necessary information including:

  • Costs of the grid connection, including also costs required for improving the grid, which shall be covered by the plant operator requiring connection;
  • The deadline for the receipt and processing of the request for connection to the grid;
  • The indicative timetable for the grid connection.

(Art. 13 § 3 Renewable Energy Law; Art. 27 § 5 Power Sector Law).

Priority to renewable energy

  • Priority to renewable energy
  • Non-discrimination

Renewable energy is given priority with regards to the electricity grid connection, while transmission and distribution is based on non-discrimination (Art. 12 § 1 Renewable Energy Law)).

Distribution of costs

Plant operator

The full costs for the connection to the grid are borne by the party requesting the connection (Art. 28 § 1 Power Sector Law, Art. 14 § 1 Renewable Energy Law).

Albania

Further information