Overview of grid
Priority access must be given to renewable energy plants by grid operators. They are also obliged to give priority dispatch to electricity from renewable sources. Plant operators may request their grid operator to expand the grid if the connection of a plant requires this expansion.
Connection to the grid
Plant operators are contractually entitled against the grid operator to connection to the grid as specified in art. 3.1 and art. 9.1 of DL 79/99. The grid operator is obliged to enter into an agreement with a plant operator (contratto per la connessione) (ARG/elt 99/08). Works on the grid aimed at allowing connection of a plant are automatically considered in the connection process (arts. 8.2.c and 20.2.c Annex A ARG/elt 99/08). Renewable energy plants must be given priority connection (art. 29.1 Annex A ARG/elt 99/08).
Use of the grid
Grid operators are obliged to give priority dispatch to electricity from renewable sources.
Grid development
Plant operators can request the grid operator to expand the grid if the connection of a plant requires this expansion. As renewable energy plants have priority in terms of connection, they also enjoy priority in terms of grid expansion needs.
Competent authorities
- ARERA
- Terna
Number of DSOs
Number of DSOs: 128
Number of legally unbundled DSOs: 8
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric; Distribution System Operator Observatory 2020
Smart Meter Penetration Rate
98.5%
Active electricity suppliers
Total number of active electricity nationwide suppliers: 90
Switching rates for electricity household customers in 2018: 9.1%
Source: Monitoring Report on the Performance of European Retail Markets in 2018. CEER Report