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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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). |
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