Issues of Grid Connection

JSC IDGC of the North-West faces the following challenges when providing grid connection services:

• Effective laws of the Russian Federation stipulate compensation of expenses incurred for grid connection but do not provide for compensation of costs related grid maintenance in case of zero consumption.
• The applicants which are connected to the grids under an individual design can receive the services listed in their individual designs both from a grid company or an applicant (at the applicant’s option). In case the applicant carries some activities in accordance with the specifications from the boundaries of its plot to the connection point, grids become more fragmented which also impacts connection of new consumers to grids, grid connection period, and electricity quality and reliability.
• At the moment, information on the possibility of connection to power grids is not required for the performance of works relating to allocation of a land plot. Therefore, city councils do not always notify grid companies of their plans for land allocation, future construction and results of tenders for selection of a potential investor. Hence, the grid company cannot receive information on region development plans and schedules on a timely basis.
• Time-consuming process for obtaining permissions and authorizations.