NEURC adopted a “flexible connection” package for power grids – effective September 1, 2026
On August 11, 2026, the NEURC (National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission) adopted a set of amendments to the Transmission System Code, Distribution System Code, Code of Commercial Metering of Electricity, and the Methodology for Determining Connection Fees, implementing the provisions of Law No. 4777-IX on grid connection.
Implications. Among other things, the package introduces and/or expands a number of concepts and mechanisms:
- Flexible connection – connection with non-guaranteed capacity: provided at the connection point with interruptions (curtailments) during periods when there is no margin at the node. This means it is possible to connect even where guaranteed margin is exhausted, but free transmission capacity is available during specific hours. During overload hours, the system operator limits off-take or feed-in via automation, with no compensation provided. Flexible connection is available to applicants requesting non-standard connections with a capacity exceeding 1 MW at a voltage of 20 kV and above – on a permanent or temporary basis (until the relevant technical measures are completed), by amending existing technical specifications upon their application.
- Shared connection (cable pooling) allows connecting different electrical installations (e.g., solar PV plants and energy storage systems [ESS]) at a single connection point – both owned by a single applicant and owned by other entities via the networks of an already connected user. The total installed capacity may exceed the allowed capacity, as only the flows at the grid boundary are restricted.
- Allowed capacity has been separated into off-take capacity (consumption from the grid) and feed-in capacity (output to the grid). Each is ordered and paid for separately.
- System operators are required to disclose the status of power nodes: presence of curtailments, available capacity margin and non-guaranteed capacity margin, as well as planned development measures. At nodes with exhausted margin, the TSO (Transmission System Operator) must publish a decision on the temporary suspension of issuing technical specifications for guaranteed capacity. Applicants can now find out where margin is available and choose their connection point consciously.
- “Complex commercial metering site” – a new category in commercial metering: a site combining at least two of the three types of electrical installations (generation, storage, consumption) or whose data is determined using multiple physical metering points according to relevant algorithms. Each type of installation is metered via a separate point. Power producers, ESS operators, and active consumers (excluding residential ones) that already operate generating units or storage systems must submit information to the commercial metering service provider within three months from September 1, 2026, to establish separate commercial metering points in the Data Hub (Resolution No. 1358).
- Previously issued technical specifications and concluded agreements will not change automatically – new options are available upon the applicant’s request.
- The rules took effect on September 1, 2026. A new version of paragraph 1.11 of the Methodology regarding the connection monitoring system enters into force on October 1, 2026.
Important for ESS projects: in cases where off-take capacity and feed-in capacity are requested simultaneously, the connection fee is now determined under a separate procedure. The exception applies to ESS in DSO (Distribution System Operator) networks that meet one of the transitional conditions prior to January 1, 2027: for these, on August 31, 2026, the NEURC retained the existing (averaged) fee calculation procedure – see the following point.
