Changing access to the grid
Access holders can ask Elia to modify their grid access (e.g. add access points or change BRP).
Adding access points
Access holders can ask Elia to add access points to their contract.
The request process is as follows:
- The access holder submits the relevant form (Appendix 2 to the access contract) to the Elia Customer Support & Services Department by email.
- Elia must receive the request at least one month before access will be granted for the access points in question.
- Upon receipt of the request, Elia notifies the current access holder, whose access contract covers these access points, of the change.
- If the request is approved, Elia will modify the register of access points.
- The new access holder receives confirmation within 15 working days of Elia receiving the request.
Changing BRP or supplier
Elia must be notified of any change to an Balancing Responsible Party (BRP) or supplier.
The process is as follows:
- The access holder fills in the relevant form (Appendices 3, 3bis(a), 3bis(b) or 3ter to the access contract), indicating the date on which the change will come into force.
- The Elia Customer Support & Services Department must receive this form at least five working days before the change takes effect.
Having multiple suppliers and BRPs for one access point
Grid users connected at voltages of 150 kV and above can have multiple BRPs and suppliers for one access point.
Appendix 9 to the access contract sets out the terms and conditions for an injection point.
For fixed band supplies: Appendix 10
For flexible band supplies: Appendix 11
Closed distribution systems
What is a closed distribution system?
The concept of a closed distribution system is set out in Article 28 of Directive 2009/72/EC. They are geographically confined private systems that are located downstream of an Elia grid user's connection and supply other users. They must be classified as closed distribution systems by the competent regulator.
There are two possible scenarios here:
- The operations or generation process of this system's users are integrated; or,
- Electricity is primarily supplied to the operator of the closed distribution system or its associated undertakings.
See the product sheet The closed distribution system connected to the Elia grid: Specific operational processes associated with access (A8) for more information.
How does a closed distribution system work?
Industrial customers in a closed distribution system are entitled to select their own energy supplier and BRP, regardless of those chosen by the Elia grid user.
Should an Elia grid user become a closed distribution system operator, they must complete a series of specific tasks to allow users within their closed distribution system to freely choose their own supplier and BRP in practice.
These tasks include metering, allocating energy, managing the access register for the closed distribution system, and sending data to market players. Several of these tasks require cooperation between Elia and the operator of the closed distribution system in question.
Practical details
The practical details of cooperation between the closed distribution system operator and Elia are described extensively in three appendices to the access contract (in English), namely Appendices 14, 14bis and 14ter.
Appendix 14 sets out the rules governing the relationship between Elia and the operator of the closed distribution system connected to the Elia grid.
Appendix 14bis indicates the BRP responsible for monitoring non-allocated energy volumes in the closed distribution system connected to the Elia grid.
Appendix 14ter indicates to Elia which generation units within the closed distribution system in question are covered by a Contract for the Injection of Production Units (CIPU contract) and whose energy is shared between multiple BRPs, though only one BRP is responsible for injection nominations for the units in question.
