As an electricity transmission system operator (TSO), AS Augstsprieguma tīkls has a permanent obligation, subject to the scope and term of its licence, to ensure the network members have the necessary connections to the transmission system or the necessary changes to the permitted capacity of the existing connection consistently with the regulations issued by the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (the Regulator):
The users of the electricity transmission system are required to comply with Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1388 of 17 August 2016 on establishing a network code on demand connection.
Electricity producers must comply with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EU) of 14 April 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for the grid connection of generators.
Electricity producers must obtain a permit for the introduction of a new electricity production facility or an increase in the electricity production capacity at the Construction State Control Office, in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers' Regulation No. 821 "Regulations on permits for the introduction of a new electricity production facility or an increase in the electricity production capacity"
Electricity producers and electricity users must comply with the requirements of the Network Code for the Electricity Sector
Under the procedure prescribed by the Cabinet, the end-user has the right to submit an application for special connection to the transmission system or for increasing the connection capacity of the existing transmission system if after the installation of the connection the user’s electricity consumption will increase by at least 100,000 megawatt hours per year or with a nominal capacity of the connection of at least 50 megawatts. Cabinet Regulation No. 476 “Regulation on Special Connection to the Electricity Transmission System”
If you are interested in connection possibilities to the electricity transmission system, the Electricity producers and the Users are kindly requested to get acquainted with the changes to the Electricity Market Law (changes entered into force on 1 April 2025). In accordance with the amendments, the available Generation capacities of the constant service are shown on the map available below, and the Generation capacities of the flexible service are shown in the Flexible service offer. The map of available capacities is for informational purposes only. For connection options, please contact AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" individually.
Flexible service free capacity offer 01.06.2026. PDF file
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” would like to inform you that due to amendments to the Electricity Market Law (which took effect on 1 April 2025) and in accordance with Section 123 of the Transitional Provisions, ‘By 31 December 2026, free transmission system capacity is only allocated for the provision of the flexible transmission system service to electricity producers. If free transmission system capacity is allocated for the introduction of a different type of power-generating facility as part of an existing connection, the flexible transmission system service is provided to all facilities with different types of generation.’
AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” would like to inform you that due to amendments to the Electricity Market Law (which took effect on 27 April 2025), changes have been implemented for electricity producers in what pertains to electricity storage facilities and their operators and end users.
Chapter I
General provisions
26) electricity storage refers to a form of energy supply that involves the storage of electricity for later use within the power transmission or distribution system;
27) electricity storage facility is a facility or a set of facilities, at which the storage of electricity for later use within the power transmission or distribution system takes place;
28) electricity storage facility operator is a natural individual or legal entity that engages in electricity storage;
Section 16.4. Types of transmission system services with the introduction of electricity storage facilities
(1) An electricity storage facility operator whose electricity storage facility is connected to the power transmission system is provided with one of the following transmission system services:
1) constant transmission system service if the electricity storage facility system connection is set up in accordance with Section 9(2) of this Law;
2) flexible transmission system service if the electricity storage facility system connection is set up in accordance with Section 15.2(3) of this Law;
3) limitable transmission system service, provided with the possibility for the transmission system operator to limit the feeding of electricity into the system at any time and in any amount, in order to ensure that the system operates reliably, charging a fee for limiting the transmission system service if the transmission system operator has issued technical requirements for connecting an electricity storage facility to the transmission system in the capacity of such electricity storage facility requested by the electricity storage facility operator, without taking the free capacity available in the transmission system into account.
(2) If an electricity storage facility operator adds a power-generating facility to the connection in accordance with Section 9(2) of this Law, and the capacity of such facility does not exceed the installed production capacity of the electricity storage facility, then that electricity storage facility operator is deemed a generator of electricity and may receive the constant transmission system service.
(3) If an electricity storage facility operator adds a power-generating facility to the connection in accordance with Section 15.2(3) of this Law, and the capacity of such facility does not exceed the installed production capacity of the electricity storage facility, then that electricity storage facility operator is deemed an electricity producer and may receive the flexible transmission system service.
(4) If an electricity producer is provided with the constant transmission system service or has reserved the capacity specified in the technical requirements for the connection of its power-generating facility in order to provide the constant transmission system service referred to in Section 15.2(1)(1) of this Law, and that electricity producer adds an electricity storage facility to the same connection, the capacity of which does not exceed the installed power-generation capacity or the capacity reserved for the connection of the producer’s power-generating facility, the producer receives the constant transmission system service.
(5) If an electricity producer adds an electricity storage facility to its connection, whereby the capacity of such electricity storage facility exceeds the installed power-generation capacity or the capacity reserved for the connection of the producer’s power-generating facility, the producer receives the limitable transmission system service.
(6) If an electricity producer is provided with the flexible transmission system service or has reserved the capacity specified in the technical requirements for the connection of its power-generating facility in order to provide the flexible transmission system service referred to in Section 15.2(1)(2) of this Law, and that electricity producer adds an electricity storage facility to the same connection, the capacity of which does not exceed the installed power-generation capacity or the capacity reserved for the connection of the producer’s power-generating facility, the producer receives the flexible transmission system service.
(7) The procedure for limiting the feeding of electricity into the system, for recording the time of such limiting, and the amount of electricity not fed into the system in the situations referred to in Part 1(3) and Part 5 of this Section, is prepared by the transmission system operator and approved by the regulator.
(8) In determining free available transmission system capacity, the transmission system operator does not take into account the capacity of electricity storage facilities connected to the electricity system, or for whose connection, technical requirements have been issued, provided that the operator of such an electricity storage facility receives the limitable transmission system service.
Further information:
1. According to Section 16.4(1) of the EML, constant service or flexible service is only possible for electricity storage facilities in combination with the corresponding service provided to an electricity producer. Only the limitable transmission system service is available to separately connected electricity storage facilities.
2. In choosing the connection location for an electricity storage facility, one must take the available User’s free electricity capacity that is necessary for charging the electricity storage facility into account. Depending on whether electricity capacity is available to Users on the free capacity map, it may be possible, in terms of charging, to install a connection for electricity storage facilities in the respective segments.
3. Storage facility operators must submit a completed application form for Producers, available in Connection setup, Step 1. ‘System User/Producer application’. It is based on Section 132 of the Transitional Provisions of the EML:
‘132. ‘By 31 December 2025, the Regulator issues the system connection regulations for electricity storage facilities referred to in Section 8 (2) of this Law. Until the date that these regulations take effect, and by no later than 31 December 2025, the Regulations Regarding System Connection for Electricity Producers shall apply to the connection of electricity storage facilities.’
Free system capacity for the constant service for production and consumption connections
Important! The capacities available for the electricity consumption and generation constant service shown on the map are modelled according to the parameters for the reliable operation of the network. The constant service capacity available for connecting power plants is calculated for every power line, taking into account not only the capacity of the line in question but also the ability to transmit electricity further, and often not only to the nearest substations but also to those further away, in line with the consumption pattern of each substation’s clients. Because of this, situations may arise in which not a single generator is connected to a line, but there is no free capacity for generators because the nearest substation does not have sufficient consumption, and there can be opposite situations, whereby additional generation capacity can be connected to the line because there are large electricity consumers nearby.
Flexible transmission system service
In accordance with the Electricity Market Law:
Section 15.2. Transmission system service types:
(1) An electricity producer whose power-generation facilities are connected to the power transmission system is provided with one of the following transmission system services:
1) constant transmission system service, whereby the transmission system service is provided to the electricity producer without interruption, except for in the cases of limiting the transmission system service specified in the laws and regulations governing the electricity sector;
2) flexible transmission system service, whereby the transmission system service is provided to the electricity producer with a possibility of limiting it for up to 876 hours within a single calendar year. During such limitation, the electricity producer pays the transmission system operator the fee referred to in Section 14(2) of this Law. The limitation time does not include the time during which the transmission system service is limited in the cases specified in the laws and regulations governing the electricity sector.
(2) If, for an electricity producer receiving the flexible transmission system service, the transmission system service limitation time exceeds the number of hours specified in Part 1 of this Section, the limitation during the hours that exceed this number takes place in accordance with the procedure specified in the laws and regulations governing the electricity sector.
(3) In order to provide the flexible transmission system service, the transmission system operator:
1) only accepts applications for technical requirements after the publication of information about free transmission system capacity;
2) may issue technical requirements for setting up a connection for a power-generating facility to multiple electricity producers, whereby such technical requirements are for the same unit of free transmission system capacity, or for a unit of transmission system capacity that is greater than the free transmission system capacity available;
3) reserves the capacity specified in the technical requirements for the connection of the electricity producer’s power-generating facility at the time of the conclusion of the connection contract in the amount of the free transmission system capacity;
4) does not conclude a connection contract and does not reimburse the electricity producer for the costs associated with the connection of the power-generating facility if, once the requirement referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Section is met, the free available transmission system capacity is less than the capacity specified in the technical requirements for the connection of the electricity producer’s power-generating facility to the electricity system (unless the technical requirements can be amended with the consent of the electricity producer, and the technical solution for the connection does not change due to the amendments).
Flexible service free capacity offer 01.06.2026. PDF file
Steps to install connections
The change of the technical parameters of the connection coincides with the process of installation of the connection.
Prior to the preparation of the application, the User or the Producer must evaluate the place of connection, considering the budgeted capacity in the long term as well as electricity costs, considering the connection tariff (rate). The Users or Producers with a capacity of up to 10MVA mainly choose to install connections to the electricity distribution system, whereas a higher capacity connection can be budgeted for the electricity transmission system.
Prior to the preparation of the application we encourage you to discuss the possible connection solutions. Please email: [email protected] regarding your preferred timing of the meeting with the company's specialists concerning the installation of the connection
The application with documents must be submitted in electronic format by sending to the e-mail address: [email protected]. The application and documents must be signed with a secure electronic signature.
Users:
- The User’s application for the new electricity system connection or for increasing the permitted capacity of the existing connection
- An application for the installation of the end-user’s special connection to the transmission system
- AS "Sadales tīkls" application for the new electricity system connection or for increasing the permitted capacity of the existing connection
Producers:
The technical specifications shall be issued to Users and Producers within 60 days of the date of receipt of their application. The system operator sends a letter to the electricity Producer with the Technical Requirements and fee calculation for the reserved capacity of the system.
If the development of the technical specifications is complex and takes longer to prepare it or if the user has failed to provide all the necessary information to the system operator, the system operator shall notify the system User/Producer in writing about the deadline for issuing the technical specifications.
Complicated cases:
- The development of technical requirements (TR) must provide for the reconstruction of at least one substation or several sections of one power transmission line or several lines.
- Regardless of the type of transmission system service requested, the applicant's requested capacity exceeds 450MW.
- Within 15 days from the receipt of the first application, applications are received (regardless of the type of transmission system service requested), in the planned technical requirements of which the technical solution for the connection is interconnected.
- Within 15 days from the receipt of the first application, more than 5 applications have been received for the flexible service in one sector.
- It is desired to connect a producer and/or user and/or storage facility at one connection point.
- If several solutions are possible for the installation of the connection and their coordination with the involved parties on which the technical solution for the connection depends, including the possibility of the connection, must be carried out.
- Any other case where the technical solution for the connection is objectively considered to be complex or different from the standard technical solution (AST, when issuing a letter on the status of the complex case and the extension of the deadline for developing technical requirements, provides justification for compliance with this point).
Indicative costs of connection construction (updated on 07.05.2025):
| No. | Anticipated works | Voltage (kV) | Costs, millions of EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Construction of a new double busbar scheme substation (5 bays) | 330 | 7.8 |
| 2 | Construction of a new connection in an existing double busbar scheme substation (1 bay) | 330 | 1.6 |
| 3 | Construction of overhead power line 1km (single-circuit version) | 330 | 0.5 |
| 4 | Construction of overhead power line 1km (double-circuit version) | 330 | 0.7 |
| 5 | Cable line construction 1km | 330 | 1.6 |
| 6 | Construction of a new H-type substation (4 bays) | 110 | 4.2 |
| 7 | Construction of a new H-type substation (3 bays) | 110 | 3.6 |
| 8 | Construction of a new double busbar scheme substation (6 bays) | 110 | 5.4 |
| 9 | Conversion of an existing H-type substation to a double busbar scheme substation (6 bays) | 110 | 5.4 |
| 10 | Expansion of an existing H-type or double busbar scheme substation (additional 1 bay) | 110 | 1.2 |
| 11 | Construction of a new simplified substation (1 bay, TSO building-container) | 110 | 1.4 |
| 12 | Construction of overhead power line 1km (single-circuit version) | 110 | 0.3 |
| 13 | Construction of overhead power line 1km (double-circuit version) | 110 | 0.4 |
| 14 | Cable line construction 1km | 110 | 1.4 |
The table shows indicative costs and is subject to change. Exact connection costs are determined during procurement procedures.
In accordance with Section 9 of the Electricity Market Law:
Section 9.1. Security deposit for system capacity reservation:
(1) An electricity producer pays the respective system operator a security deposit if it is planned to connect a new power-generating facility to the power transmission system for the provision of the constant transmission service, or to the power distribution system with the installation of a new connection or with the use of an existing connection, regardless of whether it is necessary to install new electric facilities or rebuild existing ones, and the electricity production capacity permitted at the system connection is greater than 50 kilowatts.
(2) An electricity storage facility operator pays the respective system operator a security deposit if it is planned to connect an electricity storage facility to the power transmission system for the provision of the constant transmission service specified in Section 15.2 of this Law, or to the power distribution system, and the electricity feeding capacity permitted at the connection is greater than 50 kilowatts.
(3) The Regulator determines the methodology for the calculation of the security deposit referred to in Parts 1 and 2 of this Section, and the procedure for the payment of such security deposit.
(4) The system operator refunds the security deposit referred to in Part 1 or 2 of this Section to the electricity producer or to the electricity storage facility operator once the power-generating facility or the electricity storage facility is connected to the system.
(5) The system operator does not refund the security deposit referred to in Part 1 or 2 of this Section to the electricity producer or to the electricity storage facility operator if the respective power-generating facility or electricity storage facility is not connected to the electricity system for reasons beyond the control of the system operator.
(6) An electricity end user, which is not a distribution system operator, pays the transmission system operator a security deposit for system capacity reservation if it is planned to connect a new electricity end-user facility to the power transmission system. The Regulator determines the methodology for calculating the amount of the security deposit, as well as the procedure under which the electricity end user is to provide such security deposit.
(7) The transmission system operator refunds the security deposit referred to in Part 6 of this Section to the electricity end user once the end user’s facility is connected to the power transmission system.
(8) The transmission system operator does not refund the security deposit referred to in Part 6 of this Section to the electricity end user if the end user’s facility is not connected to the power transmission system for reasons beyond the control of the transmission system operator.
Transitional Provisions:
129. The Regulator issues the methodologies referred to in Section 9.1(3 and 6) of this Law by 30 September 2025.
Regarding the invoicing of end users and electricity storage operators (constant service) for the security deposit fee for capacity reservation:
Amendments to the Electricity Market Law, which supplemented the law with Article 9.1, entered into force on 24 April 2025. In order to comply with the requirements of this Article, AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" requested an explanation from the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Saeima regarding the application of the security deposit fee regulation until the Regulator has issued a methodology for calculating the security deposit.
As part of the consultations, AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" concluded that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission's Decision No. 1 of 12 January 2023 ''On the fee for one capacity reservation unit in the electricity sector'' should be applied to the calculation of the security deposit during the transition period.
Taking into account the above, AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls", starting from April 24, 2025, when issuing technical requirements for the installation of a connection to the transmission system to the end user, will also send an invoice for the payment of the security deposit.
The agreement is a document entered into between the TSO and the User or the Producer, which describes the responsibilities and accountability of the TSO, the User or the Producer; specifies who will arrange the procurement procedure, initiate construction, what the payment terms are, as well as describes many other connection related matters to be mutually resolved (such as the land development right, equipment specifications, etc.).
The agreement can be found here (in Latvian).
The agreement (with a separate design process) can be found here (in Latvian).
The agreement (TSO will arrange the procurement procedure) can be found here (in Latvian).
The agreement for the installation of a new electricity transmission system connection for the USER is available here (in Latvian)
Please refer to the full flow chart below and step 10 of the parallel process for real estate issues for the User or the Producer.
When planning the selection of a construction merchant and equipment supplier for the installation of a connection (or modification of technical parameters), it is necessary to observe the general requirements set by AS Augstsprieguma tīkls for the construction merchants and equipment suppliers. The general requirements may be supplemented by other requirements, considering the scope and specifics of a particular project.
Construction merchants and equipment suppliers (if the equipment supplier is not mentioned in the requirements listed below, the requirements do not apply to the equipment supplier) shall meet the following general requirements:
- The construction merchant is registered in the Register of Construction Merchants;
- An ISO 9001 or equivalent certificate or other evidence of the equivalent quality assurance measures has been issued to the construction merchant and equipment supplier;
- An attested copy of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or equivalent certificate, or ISO 14001 or equivalent certificate submitted, or other evidence submitted by the Candidate regarding the implementation of equivalent quality management measures or compliance of the operation with the environmental protection requirements has been issued to the construction merchant and equipment supplier;
- Conditions for the exclusion specified in Parts 1 and 2 of Section 48 of the Law on the Procurement of Public Service Providers do not apply to the construction merchant and equipment supplier;
- During the last 2 (two) reporting years, the annual net turnover of the construction merchant and equipment supplier is not less than 80% of the amount of the planned project (the sum of the total costs of connection installation or modification of technical parameters);
- During the last 5 (five) years, the construction merchant and equipment supplier have had experience in the construction or reconstruction of 110 kV and/or higher voltage energy supply objects, as well as in the supply of goods;
- The construction merchant shall be able to certify that it will provide a sufficient number of suitably qualified personnel for the performance of the work (certified designers and construction workers, examiners, author supervisors, etc.);
- The remuneration of the personnel of the construction merchant shall correspond to at least 80 % of the level of the average hourly tariff rate published by the SRS in the specific group of professions;
- The construction merchant and the equipment supplier are not included in any sanction list binding on Latvia.
In accordance with the concluded agreement, the TSO develops procurement documentation for procurement. For the TSO part, the TSO prepares the design task for the design work, the technical specifications for the delivery of the equipment, the technical task for the contractor and other documents (regulations, contracts, etc.).
In accordance with the concluded agreement, all necessary procurement procedures are performed.
The connection contract shall be concluded when all procurement procedures have been completed and all costs are known.
After concluding the connection agreement, the TSO concludes agreements with the winners of the procurement procedure (for the part of the TSO), regardless of who has performed the procurement procedure.
In accordance with the concluded agreements, the design and construction of the connection, as well as the delivery of equipment are performed.
Two commissioning procedures are conducted once construction is completed:
1. AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” performs the commissioning of the AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” part of the new connection. This requires the conducting of load tests, so the producer must supply at least ten percent (10%) of the installed capacity specified in the technical requirements, or at least 5 MW, whichever is greater.
2. The power plant must be commissioned in accordance with the procedure specified in the description of Step 9.
Users:
A system service agreement is concluded before the inspections and tests are performed. The tests and inspections shall be performed in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1388 of 17 August 2016 establishing a Network Code on Demand Connection and the Network Code.
Producers:
A system service agreement is concluded before the inspections and tests are performed. The tests and inspections shall be performed in accordance with European Commission Regulation 2016/631 of 14 April 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators and the Network Code.
To establish the procedure for the operation notification procedure for the type D electricity generation modules, demand installations and distribution installations and to make it publicly available in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2016/631 and Regulation 2016/1388.
During the installation of the connection, there are two commissioning procedures: the commissioning of the AST electrical device (AST substation, OHL) and the commissioning of the Producer's power plant or the User's request device, or the distribution system of the Distribution System Operator (DSO).
According to the procedure of the agreement concluded between AST and the Producer/User/DSO, the three-year construction period is considered fulfilled if the following conditions are met:
- The Producer/User/DSO has received an interim operational notification (ION);
- AST has commissioned its electrical equipment (AST substation, OHL);
- An act of the building board has been received on the acceptance of the AST electric device into operation;
- 72h overall test of AST electrical device and Producer/User/DSO connection acceptance is successful.
Procedures for the Operation notification and Procedures for performing inspections
If the installation of the connection is linked to the construction of a new JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls" substation or a part of it, then the installer of the connection shall provide the plot of land necessary for the substation or its part (hereinafter - Land):
- Prepare and coordinate with the AST substation unit or part thereof with borders and planned electrical equipment position;
- Prepared and registered with the State Land Service for the Border Plan or Scheme of the Earth Unit;
- before the initiation of construction, a building rights agreement must be concluded, which stipulates the obligation of the landowner to allocate the land necessary for the construction of the substation and expropriate it in favor of AST for the cadastral value, or a sale transaction for the land necessary for the construction of the substation for the cadastral value must be concluded for the AST, if the land necessary for the construction of the substation is prepared for expropriation and meets for the planned location of the substation;
- if a building rights agreement is concluded with the right to expropriate the land necessary for the construction of the substation, the land purchase agreement must be concluded before the conclusion of the system service agreement;
- Timely preparation and coordination of the land unit of the land unit or the scheme with AST, the preparation of the land management project for the distribution of the land property and the separation of the AST substation for separation of the land unit;
- Prepare land boundary plans for land units provided for in the land use project;
- must be concluded by AST land purchase agreement and registered in the Land Register;
- Prepare a road servitude scheme for the driveway to the AST substation;
- a servitude agreement with AST and registered in the Land Register.
The planned substation and power line location provide the maximum height of the wind power plant (including the length of the rotor wings) plus 10 meters.
We advise to address issues related to Land as soon as the first agreement has been singed (Step 3).
The construction right agreement or land expropriation agreement must be concluded and registered in the land register before the initiation of construction (step 4).
The registration of property rights in the name of JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls" must be finalised before the conclusion of the System Service Agreement (Step 8).
