Direct connections

As a natural gas transmission system operator, Conexus Baltic Grid is obliged to provide biomethane producers, LNG system operators and natural gas users with the necessary and technically feasible connections to the natural gas transmission system or implement the required changes of the existing connection load according to the Public Utilities Commission issued "Natural gas transmission system connection rules for natural gas distribution system operators, biomethane producers, LNG terminal operators and natural gas users".

Steps to install connection:

(Permitted load change processes coincide with connection setup processes)

  • Consultations and submission of an application:

​1. ​Prior to preparing the application, biomethane producers, LNG system operators or natural gas users (hereinafter - users) have to evaluate the connection point taking into account the planned long-term capacity and the costs of establishing the connection.

Users with capacity up to 250 MW/year and operating pressure in the user system lower than 16 bar mostly prefer to install connections to the natural gas distribution system, while higher capacity connections and systems with planned operating pressure above 16 bar can be planned at the natural gas transmission system.

2. Before preparing the application users should consult with Joint Stock Company Conexus Baltic Grid specialists on possible connection solutions. To arrange a meeting about connection setup please write to the e-mail address: pieslegumi@conexus.lv.

3. After consultation with the Joint Stock Company Conexus Baltic Grid specialists, users submit the application for installing the connection.

  • Technical regulations:

The technical regulations are issued to users within 60 days from the date of receipt of the application.

If the elaboration of technical regulations is complicated and the preparation thereof requires a longer period of time, or the user has not submitted all the necessary information and documents to the transmission system operator, the transmission system operator shall inform the user in writing within 10 days from the day of receipt of the connection application.

  • Conclusion of the agreement:

The User and the transmission system operator shall agree in writing on the development and approval of the construction design documentation (construction design), and on the selection procedure of the contractor for construction works to install the connection, as well as on other obligations and rights of the transmission system operator and the user until the conclusion of the connection agreement.

  • Procurement procedures:

According to the agreement, all necessary procurement procedures are carried out.

1. If the user selects the developer of the construction design documentation (building design), equipment supplier and performer of the works, it informs the transmission system operator in accordance with the term specified in the agreement.

2. If the transmission system operator selects the developer of the construction design documentation (building design), equipment supplier and performer of the works, the user has the right to become acquainted with the principles and provisions of selection, process of the selection process and participate in the selection.

  • Signing a connection agreement:

The connection agreement is concluded once all procurement procedures have been completed and all costs are known.

  • Signing agreements with winners of the procurement procedure

The transmission system operator enters into an agreement with the winner of the procurement procedure for operations in the territory of the transmission system operator.

  • Development of the construction design documentation (construction design) and construction

According to the concluded agreements, the connection design, construction or rebuilding is performed.

After the construction or reconstruction works are carried out, all necessary tests are carried out and the object is put into operation after successfully passing the tests.

The installation of the connection shall be deemed to be completed on the day when the transmission system operator has notified the user thereof in writing.

Prior to entering the natural gas into the user system, the user shall submit the transmission system operator the documents prescribed by regulatory enactments in accordance with the procedures specified in the connection agreement, who certifies that the user's natural gas supply system has been installed in accordance with the requirements of regulatory enactments and prepared for connection to the transmission system.

Before the biomethane producer or LNG operator enters the gas into the transmission system, it shall submit the transmission system operator the documents prescribed by the regulatory enactments attesting that the user’s natural gas supply system has been installed in accordance with the requirements of regulatory enactments and prepared for connection to the transmission system.

  • Conclusion of a system service agreement

Prior to entering the natural gas into the user’s system or receiving the gas from the user in the transmission system, the user shall conclude a transmission system service agreement and a balancing agreement.

User's Rights and Obligations

Rights:

  • The user has the right to commercially inject biomethane into the interconnected natural gas system if the necessary agreements are concluded and technical requirements are met.
  • The user is entitled to transfer biomethane produced in their production system into the natural gas distribution system, as well as biomethane transported by cargo outside of the production system.

Obligations:

  • The user must ensure the quality and pressure of the biomethane in accordance with the technical regulations issued to them. The biomethane must meet the technical quality requirements specified in the Energy Law.
  • The user must submit nominations or renominations to the transmission system operator (TSO) at least 10 working days before the start of the gas month and inform of any changes.
  • The user is responsible for the installation, execution, and submission of all necessary documents to the TSO after the connection is completed.
  • The user must deliver biomethane at the appropriate pressure and ensure the safety of the connection point and equipment.

TSO's Rights and Obligations

Rights:

  • The TSO has the right to supervise all connection installation works, verify compliance with technical regulations and building codes, and, if necessary, request changes or stop the works.
  • The TSO has the right to request additional information and documents related to the injected gas and its flow, as well as to install monitoring and safety systems at the connection point.

Obligations:

  • The TSO ensures the control of gas quality and metering, as well as balancing within the interconnected system.
  • The TSO must ensure the commencement of the connection’s operation after all technical and regulatory requirements are met and documents are received from the user.
  • The TSO is obliged to carry out the metering, quality control, and odorization of natural gas in the transmission system, including the connection with the natural gas producer and LNG terminal operator’s system, if the natural gas is intended for supply to end-users, and ensure the installation of the necessary equipment.

System Safety Requirements

  • Biomethane must meet the technical quality requirements, including gas pressure and flow parameters, as specified in the TSO's technical regulations.
  • To ensure safety, the user must provide security for the connection point and equipment, as well as ensure proper documentation and quality control measures.
  • The TSO has the right to install safety devices in the connection area and ensure their constant monitoring.