The National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) has given the green light to a new regulation that facilitates the incorporation of new consumption points to the transport network and to the electricity distribution networks through flexible access permits. With this scheme, the connection of new consumers and industries will be allowed even in areas where the current infrastructure does not have sufficient firm capacity.
Through a resolution that develops what is established in circular 1/2024, of September 27, regarding the methodology and the conditions of access and connection to the transport and distribution networks of demand facilities, the regulatory body specifies the technical, operational, and temporal requirements that must be met to authorize access to the network without jeopardizing the safety or reliability of the electrical system.
In practice, users will be able to request these permits in locations where there is no available firm capacity, but there is room to connect under certain conditions, such as adjusting or reducing their consumption during certain periods to avoid straining the network.
As explained by the CNMC in a statement, flexible access permits will allow for more efficient exploitation of the already deployed networks and will facilitate the connection of new consumptions, contributing to the advancement of electrification. At the same time, the regulator emphasizes that this increase in flexibility will be linked to a strengthening of control, greater real-time information, and closer coordination by the distribution companies.
With this framework, the institution emphasizes that "the aim is to optimize the use of current networks and accelerate the electrification of the economy, decarbonization, and energy independence."
Four types of flexible access permits
The body chaired by Juan José Ganuza has configured this new flexibility through four differentiated types of permits. The first, the so-called 'Type 0 Permit', applies to distribution networks and is based on hourly consumption patterns, so that the granted power can only be used in the previously defined and authorized intervals.
The 'Type 1 Permit' is designed for the distribution networks of the peninsular system and includes installations that, under normal conditions, meet the firm access requirements. In this scheme, access is managed through the remote disconnection of the dedicated position in the substation when unavailability occurs in network elements.
For its part, the 'Type 2 Permit' is aimed at installations connected to peninsular distribution networks with flexible power greater than 1 megawatt (MW). This modality allows for active management, in real time or scheduled, through instructions from the network manager to limit the available power totally or partially.
The 'Type 3 Permit' is reserved for consumption installations directly connected to the peninsular transport network with flexible capacity greater than 1 MW. In this case, the holders must be able to reduce their demand when the system operator requires it for strict safety reasons.
Alongside these figures, the resolution incorporates the Distribution Operation Procedure (POD1), which establishes the framework for electrical control parameters, observability, real-time data transmission, and coordination among the different network managers, the system operator, and users.
Storage Treatment and Application Schedule
Regarding storage infrastructures, such as pumping systems and batteries, installations with flexible access will be considered, in line with what is provided in Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, of March 20, which will allow for the release of capacity in the network for other consumptions. Additionally, a transitional regime is established for permits already granted.
The CNMC will supervise the effective implementation of these permits and, for this purpose, network managers must send it annual information about their use. Likewise, maps of available flexible access capacity will be made public.
As for the temporary deployment, the resolution will come into effect on September 1. From that date, a period of six months will open to submit applications for type 0 and type 1 permits.
Type 2 permits may be requested as soon as the distribution network manager has the necessary visibility and control tools and, in any case, before January 1, 2028. As for type 3 permits, they may be requested within six months following the entry into force of the resolution. Until January 1, 2029, they will only be accepted when the connection point to the transport network is a connection position motivated by consumer, dedicated exclusively to the holder and operated by the transport network manager.
In addition, for type 1 and type 2 permits in distribution networks, the initial nominal voltage of the connection point must be equal to or greater than 30 kV, a threshold that will subsequently be reduced to voltages above 1 kV.
The CNMC indicates that this reduction in the voltage level aims to extend the application of type 1 and type 2 permits to a greater number of installations connected in medium voltage networks, "so network managers must develop the necessary observability, monitoring, and control tools."