In July 2009, the 3rd Package was adopted by the European Union and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on August 14, 2009. This package includes two directives on electricity and gas respectively, as well as three regulations on access rules to electricity and gas networks and the creation of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). These texts enter into force on March 3, 2011.

The 3rd Package aims at deepening market integration by improving regulatory harmonisation throughout Europe through the adoption of European network codes. The preparation of network codes will be a two-step process: the ACER will develop framework guidelines on specific topics which will be translated into codes by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E). In accordance with the priorities agreed, and in light of the Agency's work program for 2011, the Agency will in accordance with Article 6 (2) of Regulation (EC) No. 714/2009 submit to the Commission a framework guideline on Electricity Grid Connection by 04 July 2011.

Grid connection covers all issues to establish and to maintain a physical connection between the transmission and / or distribution grid and the grid customers. Grid connection is used here as a synonym for network connection, which is the area for a network code according to Article 8 (6) (b) of Regulation (EC) No. 714/2009. Grid connection requirements are considered as features and rules which the transmission and distribution grid operators, as well as the grid users have to meet, in order to maintain system security, availability and the proper functioning of the electricity market from a technical point of view.

This framework guideline is based on ERGEG’s Pilot Framework Guideline on Grid Connection, adopted on 7 December 2010 (Ref: E10-ENM-18-04) and on the related Initial Impact Assessment (Ref: E09-ENM-18-03).

Invitation to respond:

According to Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No. 713/2009 establishing an Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, "in carrying out its tasks, in particular in the process of developing framework guidelines (...), the Agency shall consult extensively and at an early stage with market participants, transmission system operators, consumers, end-users and, where relevant, competition authorities, without prejudice to their respective competence, in an open and transparent manner, in particular when its tasks concern transmission system operators".

ACER invites all interested parties to provide comments to the consultation paper (framework guidelines) as of 3 March 2011. To participate, please request a login via the online login request available here. Comments may be submitted until 2 May 2011.

Following the public consultation period, ACER will publish all comments received from stakeholders. If a respondent would like ACER to treat their contribution with confidentiality, this must be explicitly mentioned in their submission.