Overview of grid
In Estonia, access for renewable energy plants to the grid is subject to the general legislation on energy: Grid Code and Electricity Market Act (ELTS).
Electricity from renewable sources is not given priority. Thus, plant operators are entitled against the grid operator to the connection of their plants to the grid and the transmission of electricity according to non-discriminatory criteria. Furthermore, the grid operator is obliged to upgrade the grid if the upgrade is necessary to connect a plant to the grid. The costs of such an upgrade shall be borne by the operator of the plant in question.
Connection to the grid
On request, the grid operator is obliged to the plant operator to connect plants within their area of responsibility as soon as they comply with the technical requirements. The connection of plants shall be based on non-discriminatory criteria. There is no grid connection permit process as such. All renewable power installations can be connected to the grid, provided they fulfil the technical requirements and pay for grid connection according to the payment system in place, which is based on the length of the connection.
Use of the grid
The grid operator is statutorily obligated to transmit via their grid the electricity generated and sold by the plant operators on the basis of non-discriminatory criteria. The grid use costs are borne by the electricity buyer.
Grid development
The grid operator is statutorily obliged to expand the grid within their area of responsibility to ensure that it meets the required standards, to maintain grid services for all electricity producers and be able to connect additional electricity plants to the grid (Art 66 par 1 ELTS). Moreover, a plant operator may demand that the grid operator upgrade the grid if the upgrade is necessary to connect a plant. The costs of such an upgrade shall be borne by the operator of the plant in question.
Competent authorities
TSO Elering
Number of DSOs
Number of DSOs: 34
Number of legally unbundled DSOs: 1
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric; Distribution System Operator Observatory 2020
Smart Meter Penetration Rate
98.9%
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric