Demand Connection Code (DCC) is one of three network codes related to connection. DCC sets rules for connecting demand facilities and distribution systems to the electricity system. The code is intended to ensure the system security of the electricity system, fair competition conditions on the internal electricity market, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
At the same time, the network code facilitates EU-wide electricity trade. The code also lays down the obligations for ensuring that system operators make appropriate use of the demand facilities’ and distribution systems’ capabilities in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner to provide a level playing field throughout the EU. A code for new grid connections
The Demand Connection Code confirms the requirements for grid connections. The code classifies grid connections as transmission-connected demand facilities, transimission-connected distribution facilities and distribution systems, which also include closed distribution systems. Demand units, used by a demand facility or a closed distribution system to provide demand response services to relevant system operators and relevant transmission system operators are also classified as network connections in the network code. The network code specifies the technical requirements for use of demand response in reserve services.
Demand response services provided to system operators are divided into remotely controlled and autonomously controlled services. Remotely controlled demand response services include demand response used to control active and reactive power and demand response used for transmission constraint management. Autonomously controlled services cover demand response that is used to control system frequency and for very fast active power control.
The network code requirements apply to all new grid connections. Although the requirements do not generally apply to existing grid connections, they can be applied if significant changes take place in existing connections.
Furthermore, the network code requirements are not applicable to storage equipment, with the exception of the power production modules of pump power plants, which have both production and pumping modes.
General requirements for demand-facilities and distribution systems
The Demand Connection Code specifies many general requirements for demand facilities and distribution systems. In Finland, demand facilities and distribution systems connected to the electricity grid must be capable of operating within the framework of the frequency and voltage ranges and time periods specified for the Nordic synchronous area in the network code. These elements of the requirements are consistent with the Requirements for Generators (RfG) network code.
The network code also specifies general requirements for short-circuit withstand capability, reactive power, protection, control, information exchange, demand disconnection and demand reconnection, power quality, and simulation models. These requirements are the same for all European synchronous areas.
Commissioning process will become more formal
The commissioning process for transmission-connected demand facilities and distribution systems will become more formal as a result of the operational notification procedure specified in the network code. The three-step operational notification procedure includes a energisation operational notification, interim operational notification and a final operational notification.
In the commissioning process, the system operator of the connection point is obliged to monitor and issue operating permits in steps. The system operator of a connection point may not grant a connection permit for a new connection that does not meet the network code requirements. The system operator of the connection point can also change the operating permit of the demand facility or distribution system if it observes that the requirements are not being met during normal use.
Implementation plan is under development
The Demand Connection Code was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 18 August 2016. Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388 establishing a Network Code on Demand Connection took effect on 7 September 2016. As the code takes effect, new operating models will be developed and new requirements implemented, which will guide connection to the electricity system.
Stakeholders have the legal right to be heard prior to the implementation of new operating models and requirements. The system operator of the connection point must submit a proposal for requirements being generally applied, or the methods used to specify them, for approval by the authority within two years of the network code taking effect.
Fingrid launched implementation of the Demand Connection Code in autumn 2016. Fingrid will present an execution plan for the Demand Connection Code at the next network code forum event on 29 November 2016. The requirements of the regulation must be applied nationally by 7 September 2019.
