Process of connection to the electrical distribution network with i-DE
In a simplified way, the process of connection to the distribution network of the production facilities consists of three phases. Here you can learn about these three phases, some additional aspects and frequently asked questions that can clear up any doubts.
What is the process of connecting to the electrical grid?
Connecting to the electrical distribution grid is a fundamental process for those who wish to supply electricity to a new construction, expand existing capacity, or connect an installation to the public grid. This process involves several key steps that must be followed to ensure a safe and efficient connection.
These phases include important aspects to consider such as the authorization of access and connection requests, the connection point, or the contract for renewable energy payments, among other matters that we explain in the following sections.
1. Request for access and connection
Request for the connection point through the GEA section of the Private Area, where the application model must be filled out online and the documentation attached depending on the type of installation. Once done, a file number assigned to the request will be provided.
The promoter requests the connection point from i-DE through the GEA section of the Private Area, you can register here if you do not yet have a user. In GEA, you will fill out the application model online and attach the necessary documentation according to the type of installation. Upon completion of the application, you will obtain a file number assigned to your request.
The following manual details all the steps of the access and connection request process through the GEA section of the Private Area.a.
The promoter will provide proof of the economic guarantee presented to the competent body, as established in Art. 66 bis of RD 1955/2000 (40 € for installations of power > 10 kW).
Project approval requirements
From the request received, a study will be carried out on the viability of such connection and information will be provided on the existence of capacity and the requirements of the connection point.
For installations of power > 5 MW or that are part of a power grouping > 10 MW, it is also necessary to analyze the capacity from the perspective of the transport network when the point of the distribution network to which they request access is directly connected to the transport network
In case of existence of capacity at the requested point, to obtain the technical specifications and the budget for the reinforcement, adaptation or reform works of the existing network installations in service to connect your installation, the applicant must accept the previously indicated report. In addition, you must present the basic project of the production installation and its execution program. The payment of 10% of the budget, the prior administrative authorization and the subscription of a project commission contract, will guarantee the availability of the access and connection permits for the commissioning of the installation.
2. Approval of the project by the competent administration and its execution
Carrying out the procedures before the competent Administrators to obtain administrative authorizations. The technical conditions will be applied based on the connection point with the distribution network, not the consumer.
The promoter will carry out the procedures before the competent Administrations to obtain the administrative authorizations that apply to them and will execute the project based on them.
It is important to note that when designing and installing the elements and protection systems of the generation installation, the technical conditions that apply to them are those that result based on the connection point with the distribution network, and not the internal network of the consumer.
3. Execution of the approved project
Documentation and requirements necessary to carry out the Commissioning and request operational notifications.
The Commissioning of an installation is the process aimed at the physical connection to the distribution network of new installations, or those that have modified their conditions, and their energization.
For this process, it is necessary for the owner of the installation to request and/or send to the distribution network manager and, where appropriate, to the system operator certain documentation that, for the purpose of these, verifies the adequate compliance with the technical and operational requirements established in the current regulations.
Necessary requirements to start the commissioning procedure
i-DE has published an explanatory Guide where the procedure for operational notifications collected in the regulations is defined (which covers from the energization of an MGE to its definitive start-up or commercial operation of the same) and the documentation required by the distribution network manager.
i-DE has included in the GEA section of its Private Area the request for these operational notifications so that the entire process, from Access and Connection to the Commissioning of the installation, is carried out from the same application and thus simplify the process for its users.
Installation of the measure
The ownership of the measuring equipment can be either the promoter or the distributing company. The meters must be correctly communicated with the systems of their reading manager (through the remote management system if the connection is in BT, or through telecommunications/modems devices if the connection is in AT).
i-DE will review and seal the measuring equipment and will make the connection of the installation to the network.
Operational notifications
With the entry into force of Royal Decree 647/2020, the commissioning processes of generation installations are modified and the owners of the same must request from the distribution network manager four operational notifications defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/631.
To request these operational notifications (Operational Energization Notification (EON), Provisional Operational Notification (ION), and Definitive Operational Notification (FON)), the owners of the Electricity Generation Modules must send to the Distribution Network Manager certain documentation accrediting compliance with the technical requirements that apply to them.
i-DE has published an explanatory Guide (COMMISSIONING GUIDE FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION MODULES CONNECTED TO THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK) where the procedure for operational notifications collected in the regulations is defined (which covers from the energization of an MGE to its definitive start-up or commercial operation of the same) and the documentation required by the distribution network manager.
i-DE has included in its GEA application the request for these operational notifications so that the entire process, from Access and Connection to the Commissioning of the installation, is carried out from the same application and thus simplifies the process for its users.
Additional aspects of the connection process
Beyond the fundamental steps, there are additional aspects that are important to take into account during the process of connection to the electrical network. Whether they are the evaluation of energy demand, infrastructure, required equipment, or legal and administrative aspects, among others.
Perception of the Specific Remuneration Regime: Settlement proces
RD 413/2014, of June 6, which regulates the activity of electricity production from renewable energy sources, cogeneration and waste, establishes that producers have the right to receive the remuneration that corresponds to them for their participation in the electricity production market, through any of its contracting modalities and, where appropriate, the specific remuneration regime regulated in title IV of this royal decree.
For the installations that apply to them, the procedure for the settlement of this specific remuneration regime is regulated by what is established in Circular 1/2017, of February 8, of the National Commission of Markets and Competition.
Representation in the market
Electricity production installations will be obliged to make economic offers to the market operator for each programming period. They can be made directly or through a representative. The market operator and the system operator will carry out the settlements that correspond to the installations for their participation in the market and, every month, both operators will send to the body in charge of the settlement the information relating to the settlement made to the installations.
The installations connected to the i-DE network that have not communicated their desire to be represented by any other agent, are represented by Curenergía Comercializador de Último Recurso, S.A.U.
Treatment of the data of the measuring equipment:
In addition to the representatives of each installation, i-DE sends monthly to the National Commission of Markets and Competition, the measures of the installations with measurement points types 3, 4 and 5 (installations with power less than or equal to 450 kW), of which it is responsible for reading.
The System Operator (REE) is responsible for sending the measures of the equipment installed at measurement points types 1 and 2 (installations with power greater than 450 kW)
Contact and clarifications:
For any clarification or additional information about the perception of the specific remuneration regime or the settlement process, they can go to their representative or to the National Commission of Markets and Competition through their website www.cnmc.es.
For any management related to the measure or reading claims, i-DE makes available exclusively to representatives the email representantes@i-de.es. For any additional clarification or doubt about this, you can send your query to autoconsumo@i-de.es (<=100kW) productores@i-de.es (>100kW) or on the phone 900 171 171 indicating ““Producers”.
FAQs
What is an electrical grid connection point?
An electrical grid connection point is the physical location where a particular electrical installation connects to the distribution network. This point is crucial as it determines how electricity flows from the grid to the installation or vice versa. Generally, this point is established in coordination with the energy distribution company and is usually subject to specific regulations.
How to register as an electricity producer?
Registering as an electricity producer involves following certain steps and requirements established by the relevant authorities and the distribution company.
Generally, it involves submitting a formal application detailing aspects such as generation capacity, type of energy to be produced, location of the installation, and other relevant data. The distributor will evaluate the technical and administrative feasibility to approve the registration as a producer.
Is it possible to authorize an access and connection request to another agent?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to grant authorization for an access and connection request to an agent other than the owner or holder of the installation. This can occur in situations where the project is developed by third parties, such as real estate development companies or electrical installers, but it requires specific and documented authorization from the holder.