Connection to the grid

Updated: 17.01.2019

Author: Oskar Vågerö

The holder of a "line network concession" (i.e. the grid operator) is obliged to connect renewable energy plants on reasonable terms unless there are special reasons (Chapter 3 § 6 par. 1; § 7 par. 1 Electricity Act).

Procedure

Process flow

The detailed procedure is set out in the Grid Code. 

Applicants have to submit an application for connection to the grid operator (Chapter 4 § 12 Electricity Act). Both parties then sign a grid connection agreement. 

Disputes about the grid operator's obligation are settled by the Inspectorate upon request (Chapter 3 § 6 par. 2; § 7 par. 2 Electricity Act).

Deadlines

The holder of a line network concession (i.e. the grid operator) is obliged to deal with applications for connection within a reasonable period of time (Chapter 4 § 11 Electricity Act). Furthermore, he shall develop a roadmap for the implementation of grid connection (Chapter 4 § 12 Electricity Act).

Obligation to inform

The holder of a line network concession (i.e. the grid operator) is obliged to provide all information on his network tariff (including the terms and conditions for connection) on request within a reasonable period of time (Chapter 4 § 11 par. 1 and 2 Electricity Act).

Priority to renewable energy

  • Priority to renewable energy
  • Non-discrimination

Renewable energy is not given priority. Plants shall be connected to the grid without certain plant operators being discriminated against (Chapter 3 § 6 par. 1; § 7 par. 1 Electricity Act).

Capacity limits (quantitative criteria)

According to the Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate, the grid operator is not obliged to connect plants to the grid if grid capacity is insufficient. This is one of the above-mentioned reasons for which the obligation to connect plants may be waived.

Distribution of costs

Plant operator

The plant operator bears the costs of connection by paying the so-called network tariff (Chapter 4 § 1 and Chapter 1 § 5 Electricity Act).

Sweden

Further information

Basic information on legal sources