Use regulatory requirements as an opportunity to increase efficiency

The amendment to the German Grid Expansion Acceleration Act (NABEG) also redefines the grid congestion management ("redispatch"), which is to be carried out more efficiently and cost-effectively in future. From October 1st, 2021 all generation plants of 100 kW or more or plants that can be steered at any time by the grid operator, respectively, will be included in the redispatch. This will then also include renewable energy plants, CHP plants and electricity storage facilities.

The electricity distribution grid operators (DSOs) are significantly affected by these new regulations. With the new regulations, DSOs themselves will make use of the Redispatch instrument. The extension of the Redispatch requires new coordination processes, data messages and unified data exchange channels between grid operators and market participants. In order to meet the necessary data provision obligations and to be able to take coordinated measures if necessary, DSOs are faced with the task of setting up new processes and IT systems.

In particular, the following new responsibilities must be mapped:

• Redispatch planning aligned and coordinated between transmission system operators (TSOs), DSOs and plant operators
• Data supply for model calculations and identification of flexibility potentials in the own grid area
• Therewith grid condition analysis and modelling of measures
• Infrastructure for steering generation plants during the execution of redispatch measures
• Processes for accounting and financial settlement
• Generation and load forecasting as well as schedule management

We do understand the impact of the new regulations on the existing core processes of network operators. With our extensive experience in energy trading we know how forecasts are made. Our close contacts with the leading manufacturers of grid control systems help us to work with you to integrate the new processes efficiently and in compliance with the rules.