Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388Show full title

TITLE II U.K. CONNECTION OF TRANSMISSION-CONNECTED DEMAND FACILITIES, TRANSMISSION-CONNECTED DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 1 U.K. General requirements

Article 12 U.K. General frequency requirements

1. Transmission-connected demand facilities, transmission-connected distribution facilities and distribution systems shall be capable of remaining connected to the network and operating at the frequency ranges and time periods specified in Annex I.

2. The transmission-connected demand facility owner or the DSO may agree with the relevant TSO on wider frequency ranges or longer minimum times for operation. If wider frequency ranges or longer minimum times for operation are technically feasible, the consent of the transmission-connected demand facility owner or DSO shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Article 13 U.K. General voltage requirements

1. Transmission-connected demand facilities, transmission-connected distribution facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems shall be capable of remaining connected to the network and operating at the voltage ranges and time periods specified in Annex II.

2. Equipment of distribution systems connected at the same voltage as the voltage of the connection point to the transmission system shall be capable of remaining connected to the network and operating at the voltage ranges and time periods specified in Annex II.

3. The voltage range at the connection point shall be expressed by the voltage at the connection point related to reference 1 per unit (pu) voltage. For the 400 kV grid voltage level (or alternatively commonly referred to as 380 kV level), the reference 1 pu value is 400 kV, for other grid voltage levels the reference 1 pu voltage may differ for each system operator in the same synchronous area.

4. Where the voltage base for pu values is from 300 kV to 400 kV included, the relevant TSO in Spain may require transmission-connected demand facilities, transmission-connected distribution facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems to remain connected in the voltage range between 1,05 pu-1,0875 pu for an unlimited period.

5. Where the voltage base for pu values is 400 kV, the relevant TSOs in the Baltic synchronous area may require transmission-connected demand facilities, transmission-connected distribution facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems to remain connected to the 400 kV network in the voltage ranges and for time periods that apply to the Continental Europe synchronous area.

6. If required by the relevant TSO, a transmission-connected demand facility, a transmission-connected distribution facility, or a transmission-connected distribution system shall be capable of automatic disconnection at specified voltages. The terms and settings for automatic disconnection shall be agreed between the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the DSO.

7. With regard to transmission-connected distribution systems with a voltage below 110 kV at the connection point, the relevant TSO shall specify the voltage range at the connection point that the distribution systems connected to that transmission system shall be designed to withstand. DSOs shall design the capability of their equipment, connected at the same voltage as the voltage of the connection point to the transmission system, to comply with this voltage range.

Article 14 U.K. Short-circuit requirements

1. Based on the rated short-circuit withstand capability of its transmission network elements, the relevant TSO shall specify the maximum short-circuit current at the connection point that the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system shall be capable of withstanding.

2. The relevant TSO shall deliver to the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator an estimate of the minimum and maximum short-circuit currents to be expected at the connection point as an equivalent of the network.

3. After an unplanned event, the relevant TSO shall inform the affected transmission-connected demand facility owner or the affected transmission-connected distribution system operator as soon as possible and no later than one week after the unplanned event, of the changes above a threshold for the maximum short-circuit current that the affected transmission-connected demand facility or the affected transmission-connected distribution system shall be able to withstand from the relevant TSO's network in accordance with paragraph 1.

4. The threshold set in paragraph 3 shall either be specified by the transmission-connected demand facility owner for its facility, or by the transmission-connected distribution system operator for its network.

5. Before a planned event, the relevant TSO shall inform the affected transmission-connected demand facility owner or the affected transmission-connected distribution system operator, as soon as possible and no later than one week before the planned event, of the changes above a threshold for the maximum short-circuit current that the affected transmission-connected demand facility or the affected transmission-connected distribution system shall be able to withstand from the relevant TSO's network, in accordance with paragraph 1.

6. The threshold set in paragraph 5 shall either be specified by the transmission-connected demand facility owner for its facility, or by the transmission-connected distribution system operator for its network.

7. The relevant TSO shall request information from a transmission-connected demand facility owner or a transmission-connected distribution system operator concerning the contribution in terms of short-circuit current from that facility or network. As a minimum, the equivalent modules of the network shall be delivered and demonstrated for zero, positive and negative sequences.

8. After an unplanned event, the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall inform the relevant TSO, as soon as possible and no later than one week after the unplanned event, of the changes in short-circuit contribution above the threshold set by the relevant TSO.

9. Before a planned event, the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall inform the relevant TSO, as soon as possible and no later than one week before the planned event, of the changes in short-circuit contribution above the threshold set by the relevant TSO.

Article 15 U.K. Reactive power requirements

1. Transmission-connected demand facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems shall be capable of maintaining their steady-state operation at their connection point within a reactive power range specified by the relevant TSO, according to the following conditions:

(a) for transmission-connected demand facilities, the actual reactive power range specified by the relevant TSO for importing and exporting reactive power shall not be wider than 48 percent of the larger of the maximum import capacity or maximum export capacity (0,9 power factor import or export of active power), except in situations where either technical or financial system benefits are demonstrated, for transmission-connected demand facilities, by the transmission-connected demand facility owner and accepted by the relevant TSO;

(b) for transmission-connected distribution systems, the actual reactive power range specified by the relevant TSO for importing and exporting reactive power shall not be wider than:

(i)

48 percent (i.e. 0,9 power factor) of the larger of the maximum import capability or maximum export capability during reactive power import (consumption); and

(ii)

48 percent (i.e. 0,9 power factor) of the larger of the maximum import capability or maximum export capability during reactive power export (production);

except in situations where either technical or financial system benefits are proved by the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected distribution system operator through joint analysis;

(c) the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on the scope of the analysis, which shall address the possible solutions, and determine the optimal solution for reactive power exchange between their systems, taking adequately into consideration the specific system characteristics, variable structure of power exchange, bidirectional flows and the reactive power capabilities in the distribution system;

(d) the relevant TSO may establish the use of metrics other than power factor in order to set out equivalent reactive power capability ranges;

(e) the reactive power range requirement values shall be met at the connection point;

(f) by way of derogation from point (e), where a connection point is shared between a power generating module and a demand facility, equivalent requirements shall be met at the point defined in relevant agreements or national law.

2. The relevant TSO may require that transmission-connected distribution systems have the capability at the connection point to not export reactive power (at reference 1 pu voltage) at an active power flow of less than 25 % of the maximum import capability. Where applicable, Member States may require the relevant TSO to justify its request through a joint analysis with the transmission-connected distribution system operator. If this requirement is not justified based on the joint analysis, the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on necessary requirements according to the outcomes of a joint analysis.

3. Without prejudice to point (b) of paragraph 1, the relevant TSO may require the transmission-connected distribution system to actively control the exchange of reactive power at the connection point for the benefit of the entire system. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on a method to carry out this control, to ensure the justified level of security of supply for both parties. The justification shall include a roadmap in which the steps and the timeline for fulfilling the requirement are specified.

4. In accordance with paragraph 3, the transmission-connected distribution system operator may require the relevant TSO to consider its transmission-connected distribution system for reactive power management.

Article 16 U.K. Protection requirements

1. The relevant TSO shall specify the devices and settings required to protect the transmission network in accordance with the characteristics of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on protection schemes and settings relevant for the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system.

2. Electrical protection of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system shall take precedence over operational controls while respecting system security, health and safety of staff and the public.

3. Protection scheme devices may cover the following elements:

(a) external and internal short circuit;

(b) over- and under-voltage at the connection point to the transmission system;

(c) over- and under-frequency;

(d) demand circuit protection;

(e) unit transformer protection;

(f) back-up against protection and switchgear malfunction.

4. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on any changes to the protection schemes relevant for the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system, and on the arrangements for the protection schemes of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system.

Article 17 U.K. Control requirements

1. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on the schemes and settings of the different control devices of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system relevant for system security.

2. The agreement shall cover at least the following elements:

(a) isolated (network) operation;

(b) damping of oscillations;

(c) disturbances to the transmission network;

(d) automatic switching to emergency supply and restoration to normal topology;

(e) automatic circuit-breaker re-closure (on 1-phase faults).

3. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on any changes to the schemes and settings of the different control devices of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system relevant for system security.

4. With regard to priority ranking of protection and control, the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall set the protection and control devices of its transmission-connected demand facility or its transmission-connected distribution system respectively, in compliance with the following priority ranking, organised in decreasing order of importance:

(a) transmission network protection;

(b) transmission-connected demand facility or transmission-connected distribution system protection;

(c) frequency control (active power adjustment);

(d) power restriction.

Article 18 U.K. Information exchange

1. Transmission-connected demand facilities shall be equipped according to the standards specified by the relevant TSO in order to exchange information between the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility with the specified time stamping. The relevant TSO shall make the specified standards publicly available.

2. Transmission-connected distribution system shall be equipped according to the standards specified by the relevant TSO in order to exchange information between the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected distribution system with the specified time stamping. The relevant TSO shall make the specified standards publicly available.

3. The relevant TSO shall specify the information exchange standards. The relevant TSO shall make publicly available the precise list of data required.

Article 19 U.K. Demand disconnection and demand reconnection

1. All transmission-connected demand facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems shall fulfil the following requirements related to low frequency demand disconnection functional capabilities:

(a) each transmission-connected distribution system operator and, where specified by the TSO, transmission-connected demand facility owner, shall provide capabilities that enable automatic ‘low frequency’ disconnection of a specified proportion of their demand. The relevant TSO may specify a disconnection trigger based on a combination of low frequency and rate-of-change-of-frequency;

(b) the low frequency demand disconnection functional capabilities shall allow for disconnecting demand in stages for a range of operational frequencies;

(c) the low frequency demand disconnection functional capabilities shall allow for operation from a nominal Alternating Current (‘AC’) input to be specified by the relevant system operator, and shall meet the following requirements:

(i)

frequency range: at least between 47-50 Hz, adjustable in steps of 0,05 Hz;

(ii)

operating time: no more than 150 ms after triggering the frequency setpoint;

(iii)

voltage lock-out: blocking of the functional capability shall be possible when the voltage is within a range of 30 to 90 % of reference 1 pu voltage;

(iv)

provide the direction of active power flow at the point of disconnection;

(d) the AC voltage supply used in providing low frequency demand disconnection functional capabilities, shall be provided from the network at the frequency signal measuring point, as used in providing functional capabilities in accordance with paragraph 1(c), so that the frequency of the low frequency demand disconnection functional capabilities supply voltage is the same as the one of the network.

2. With regard to low voltage demand disconnection functional capabilities, the following requirements shall apply:

(a) the relevant TSO may specify, in coordination with the transmission-connected distribution system operators, low voltage demand disconnection functional capabilities for the transmission-connected distribution facilities;

(b) the relevant TSO may specify, in coordination with the transmission-connected demand facility owners, low voltage demand disconnection functional capabilities for the transmission-connected demand facilities;

(c) based on the TSO's assessment concerning system security, the implementation of on load tap changer blocking and low voltage demand disconnection shall be binding for the transmission-connected distribution system operators;

(d) if the relevant TSO decides to implement a low voltage demand disconnection functional capability, the equipment for both on load tap changer blocking and low voltage demand disconnection shall be installed in coordination with the relevant TSO;

(e) the method for low voltage demand disconnection shall be implemented by relay or control room initiation;

(f) the low voltage demand disconnection functional capabilities shall have the following features:

(i)

the low voltage demand disconnection functional capability shall monitor the voltage by measuring all three phases;

(ii)

blocking of the relays' operation shall be based on direction of either active power or reactive power flow.

3. With regard to blocking of on load tap changers, the following requirements shall apply:

(a) if required by the relevant TSO, the transformer at the transmission-connected distribution facility shall be capable of automatic or manual on load tap changer blocking;

(b) the relevant TSO shall specify the automatic on load tap changer blocking functional capability.

4. All transmission-connected demand facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems shall fulfil the following requirements related to disconnection or reconnection of a transmission-connected demand facility or a transmission-connected distribution system:

(a) with regard to the capability of reconnection after a disconnection, the relevant TSO shall specify the conditions under which a transmission-connected demand facility or a transmission-connected distribution system is entitled to reconnect to the transmission system. Installation of automatic reconnection systems shall be subject to prior authorisation by the relevant TSO;

(b) with regard to reconnection of a transmission-connected demand facility or a transmission-connected distribution system, the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system shall be capable of synchronisation for frequencies within the ranges set out in Article 12. The relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or the transmission-connected distribution system operator shall agree on the settings of synchronisation devices prior to connection of the transmission-connected demand facility or the transmission-connected distribution system, including voltage, frequency, phase angle range and deviation of voltage and frequency;

(c) a transmission-connected demand facility or a transmission-connected distribution facility shall be capable of being remotely disconnected from the transmission system when required by the relevant TSO. If required, the automated disconnection equipment for reconfiguration of the system in preparation for block loading shall be specified by the relevant TSO. The relevant TSO shall specify the time required for remote disconnection.

Article 20 U.K. Power quality

Transmission-connected demand facility owners and transmission-connected distribution system operators shall ensure that their connection to the network does not result in a determined level of distortion or fluctuation of the supply voltage on the network, at the connection point. The level of distortion shall not exceed that allocated to them by the relevant TSO. TSOs shall coordinate their power quality requirements with the requirements of adjacent TSOs.

Article 21 U.K. Simulation models

1. Transmission-connected demand facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems shall fulfil the requirements set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 related to the simulation models or equivalent information.

2. Each TSO may require simulation models or equivalent information showing the behaviour of the transmission-connected demand facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system, or both, in steady and dynamic states.

3. Each TSO shall specify the content and format of those simulation models or equivalent information. The content and format shall include:

(a) steady and dynamic states, including 50 Hz component;

(b) electromagnetic transient simulations at the connection point;

(c) structure and block diagrams.

4. For the purpose of dynamic simulations, the simulation model or equivalent information referred to in paragraph 3(a) shall contain the following sub-models or equivalent information:

(a) power control;

(b) voltage control;

(c) transmission-connected demand facility and transmission-connected distribution system protection models;

(d) the different types of demand, that is to say electro technical characteristics of the demand; and

(e) converter models.

5. Each relevant system operator or relevant TSO shall specify the requirements of the performance of the recordings of transmission-connected demand facilities or transmission-connected distribution facilities, or both, in order to compare the response of the model with these recordings.

CHAPTER 2 U.K. Operational notification procedure

Article 22 U.K. General provisions

1. The operational notification procedure for the connection of each new transmission-connected demand facility, each new transmission-connected distribution facility and each new transmission-connected distribution system, shall comprise:

(a) an energisation operational notification (EON);

(b) an interim operational notification (ION);

(c) a final operational notification (FON).

2. Each transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator to which one or more of the requirements in Title II apply shall demonstrate to the relevant TSO that it has complied with the requirements set out in Title II of this Regulation by completing successfully the operational notification procedure for connection of each transmission-connected demand facility, each transmission-connected distribution facility and each transmission-connected distribution system described in Articles 23 to 26.

3. The relevant TSO shall specify and make publicly available further details concerning the operational notification procedure.

Article 23 U.K. Energisation operational notification

1. An EON shall entitle the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator to energise its internal network and auxiliaries by using the grid connection that is specified for the connection point.

2. An EON shall be issued by the relevant TSO, subject to completion of preparations including agreement on the protection and control settings relevant to the connection point between the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator.

Article 24 U.K. Interim operational notification

1. An ION shall entitle the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator to operate the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system by using the grid connection for a limited period of time.

2. An ION shall be issued by the relevant TSO, subject to completion of the data and study review process as required by this Article.

3. With regard to the data and study review, the relevant TSO shall have the right to request that the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator provide the following:

(a) an itemised statement of compliance;

(b) detailed technical data of the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility or the transmission-connected distribution system relevant to the grid connection as specified by the relevant TSO;

(c) equipment certificates issued by an authorised certifier in respect of transmission-connected demand facilities, transmission-connected distribution facilities and transmission-connected distribution systems, where these are relied upon as part of the evidence of compliance;

(d) simulation models, as specified in Article 21 and required by the TSO;

(e) studies demonstrating expected steady-state and dynamic performance as required in Articles 43, 46 and 47;

(f) details of intended practical method of completing compliance tests according to Chapter 2 of Title IV.

4. The maximum period during which the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator may maintain ION status shall be 24 months. The relevant TSO is entitled to specify a shorter ION validity period. An extension of the ION shall be granted only if the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator has made substantial progress towards full compliance. Outstanding issues shall be clearly identified at the time of requesting extension.

5. An extension of the period during which the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator may maintain ION status, beyond the period established in paragraph 4, may be granted if a request for a derogation is made to the relevant TSO before the expiry of that period in accordance with the derogation procedure laid down in Article 50.

Article 25 U.K. Final operational notification

1. A FON shall entitle the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator to operate the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility or the transmission-connected distribution system by using the grid connection.

2. A FON shall be issued by the relevant TSO, upon prior removal of all incompatibilities identified for the purposes of the ION status and subject to the completion of the data and study review process as required by this Article.

3. For the purposes of the data and study review, the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator must submit the following to the relevant TSO:

(a) an itemised statement of compliance; and

(b) an update of the applicable technical data, simulation models and studies as referred to in points (b), (d) and (e) of Article 24(3), including the use of actual measured values during testing.

4. If incompatibility is identified in connection with the issuing of the FON, a derogation may be granted upon a request made to the relevant TSO, in accordance with the derogation procedure described in Chapter 2 of Title V. A FON shall be issued by the relevant TSO if the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system complies with the provisions of the derogation.

Where a request for a derogation is rejected, the relevant TSO shall have the right to refuse to allow the operation of the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system until the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator and the relevant TSO resolve the incompatibility and the relevant TSO considers that the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system complies with the provisions of this Regulation.

If the relevant TSO and the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator do not resolve the incompatibility within a reasonable time frame, but in any case not later than six months after the notification of the rejection of the request for a derogation, each party may refer the issue for decision to the regulatory authority.

Article 26 U.K. Limited operational notification

1. Transmission-connected demand facility owners or transmission-connected distribution system operators to whom a FON has been granted, shall inform the relevant TSO, no later than 24 hours after the incident has occurred, of the following circumstances:

(a) the facility is temporarily subject to either significant modification or loss of capability affecting its performance; or

(b) equipment failure leading to non-compliance with some relevant requirements.

A longer time period to inform the relevant TSO can be agreed with the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator depending on the nature of the changes.

2. The transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator shall apply to the relevant TSO for a limited operational notification (LON), if the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator expects the circumstances described in paragraph 1 to persist for more than three months.

3. A LON shall be issued by the relevant TSO and shall contain the following information which shall be clearly identifiable:

(a) the unresolved issues justifying the granting of the LON;

(b) the responsibilities and timescales for expected solution; and

(c) a maximum period of validity which shall not exceed 12 months. The initial period granted may be shorter with the possibility of an extension if evidence is submitted to the satisfaction of the relevant TSO demonstrating that substantial progress has been made towards achieving full compliance.

4. The FON shall be suspended during the period of validity of the LON with regard to the items for which the LON has been issued.

5. A further extension of the period of validity of the LON may be granted upon a request for a derogation made to the relevant TSO before the expiry of that period, in accordance with the derogation procedure described in Chapter 2 of Title V.

6. The relevant TSO shall have the right to refuse to allow the operation of the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system once the LON is no longer valid. In such cases, the FON shall automatically become invalid.

7. If the relevant TSO does not grant an extension of the period of validity of the LON in accordance with paragraph 5 or if it refuses to allow the operation of the transmission-connected demand facility, the transmission-connected distribution facility, or the transmission-connected distribution system once the LON is no longer valid in accordance with paragraph 6, the transmission-connected demand facility owner or transmission-connected distribution system operator may refer the issue for decision to the regulatory authority within six months after the notification of the decision of the relevant TSO.