Transelectrica, acting as the Transmission and System Operator (TSO), participated today in the public debate organized by the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) on the draft amendment to the regulatory framework for users’ connection to the electricity grid. Transelectrica presented a set of proposals and observations, submitted to ANRE during the consultation period, based on direct experience in developing and operating the transmission electricity grid.

These aim to both stimulate real investments in new production capacities and ensure a predictable and rigorous framework that allows the integration of viable and mature projects into the grid, to guarantee the safe, stable, and continuous operation of the National Power System (SEN). As such, Transelectrica has formulated and submitted to ANRE a set of 8 concrete proposals for amending the Regulation on Connecting Users to the Public Interest Electricity Grid:

1. Reevaluation of Grid Reinforcements Before Commissioning Power Plants
   Reinforcement works identified following system analyses should be reevaluated before commissioning production capacities, with capacities operated according to SEN needs.
2. Clarification of Land Ownership Regime
   Lands related to specific reinforcement works (including works between the connection point and the demarcation point, and land needed for expanding existing substations) must be owned in full property—not superficies—from the signing of the connection contract, to enable their transfer to the Network Operator’s assets.
3. Elimination of the Index Fee for Reinforcement Works
   This fee does not consistently reflect real costs or direct benefits for users or electrical installations, so it should be eliminated.
4. Strict Compliance with Contractual Deadlines
   If the connection contract is extended, and the user fails to submit the required application and documents at least 30 days before expiration, the project is classified as closed.
5. Limitation of Contractual Amendments and Introduction of Progress Criteria
   The connection contract may be modified or extended at most twice, provided guarantees are posted and real progress is demonstrated upon signing addenda: proof of payment for at least 25% of purchased equipment value or completion of at least 10% of user installation works.
6. Clarification of Deadlines for Authorizations
   Users must obtain the setup authorization for electricity production capacity, including cogeneration and storage installations at production/consumption sites, within 12 months of signing the connection contract and 18 months of issuing the Technical Connection Notice. The Regulation must clarify if this applies to previously issued Technical Connection Notices and contracts before the Order’s entry into force.
7. Regulation of Reinforcement Works by Users
   The Regulation clearly sets conditions under which users can perform, from their own funds and at the operator’s request, reinforcement works already included in the Network Operator’s Development Plan.
8. Introduction of a Guarantee at Capacity Request Stage
   Users must post a financial guarantee, expressed per MW, from the first stage of submitting the capacity allocation request. This measure is essential to discourage speculative projects and ensure realistic estimates of network development needs.

Transelectrica believes that updating and aligning the regulatory framework is a priority for ensuring uniform and non-discriminatory application of connection rules. At the same time, these measures contribute to disciplining investments and stimulating coherent, highly mature projects that can be efficiently integrated into the grid.