Overview of grid
Project developers shall obtain first access and connection permits to connect their plants to the grid.
Regarding grid use, RE installations shall have priority of dispatch under equal economic conditions in the market.
Connection to the grid
To be able to connect a plant to the grid, the project developer shall first apply for and obtain the access and the connection permits. The authority will verify that the request meets all requisites and that there is sufficient capacity. After the permits are issued, the producers and the grid operator will enter a contract.
Use of the grid
Plant operators entitled with access and connection permits have the right to use the network. However, such access may be temporarily restricted in order to ensure compliance with the security and reliability criteria established for the operation of the system. Renewable energy installations shall have priority of dispatch under equal economic conditions in the market.
Grid development
The TSO (or DSOs correspondingly) will prepare a proposal for grid development considering the need for new lines, substations, transformers, among others.
If the connection requires new installations, the investment costs will be borne by the promoter of the connection and by the future users too.
Competent authorities
- TSO
- DSOs
- CNMC
- MITECO
Number of DSOs
Number of DSOs: 354
Number of legally unbundled DSOs: 5
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric; Distribution System Operator Observatory 2020
Smart Meter Penetration Rate
99.6%
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric
Active electricity suppliers
Total number of active electricity nationwide suppliers: 232
Switching rates for electricity household customers in 2018: 10.4%
Source: Monitoring Report on the Performance of European Retail Markets in 2018. CEER Report