ENTSO-E Connection Network Codes Implementation Guidance Documents_Cost Benefit Analysis

Overview

Europe currently has three connection network codes: Requirements for generators (RfG), Demand Connection (DCC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). RfG has entered into force on 17 May 2016, the DCC on 18 August 2016 and the HVDC on 8 September 2016.

The Member States have the obligation to implement these codes no later than three years after their entry into force. Within this timeframe the relevant system operators or TSOs have 2 years to define and submit the national specifications, for the so-called non-exhaustive requirements, for approval by the competent entity. 

In order to support the implementation at national level and also in line with the legal requirements of these network codes, ENTSO-E has drafted and when necessary improved non-binding implementation guidance documents (IGDs), one of which we currently put forward for consultation.

The guidance documents are primarily addressed to the transmission system operators and other system operators concerning the elements of the codes requiring national decisions. They shall explain the technical issues, conditions and interdependencies which need to be considered when complying with the requirements of these Regulations at national level.

The current IGD consultation is scheduled as follows:

29 January 2018 – 2 March 2018 – ENTSO-E publishes one (1) draft IGD for consultation (please see below). The comments received will support the finalisation of the IGD. 

The current IGD has been prepared by an Expert Group which was formed and kicked off its work in April 2017 as a result of a relevant public workshop that took place in March 2017. The Terms of Reference of this Expert Group as well as the type of stakeholders that have worked on this draft can be found here. The IGD is an updated version of an IGD that was published in November 2016.

More information can be read here.

A preview of all the questions in this consultation can be accessed here.

The IGD under consultation is listed below and can be downloaded from the following link.

1. Cost Benefit Analyses

Why your views matter

ENTSO-E is consulting the IGDs for three main reasons:

1. Although the main addressees of the IGDs are the system operators, the connection codes have a significant impact on manufacturers, power generating module operators, demand facilities and distribution networks.
2. The IGDs are drafted as supporting material for the connection codes implementation at the member state level and shall aim to give guidance for national specifications for non-exhaustive requirements. 
3. The IGDs are legally requested to be consulted with stakeholders before their release within the six month of the entry into force of the Regulations.

What happens next

After the end of the consultation period, ENTSO-E and the relevant drafting team will consolidate the comments and consider them for the improvement of the IGD.

Reply to the consultation will be provided as soon as possible after the end of the consultation, together with the final version of the IGD.

The planned period for publication is mid March 2018