Generation connection

Converting a consumption connection into a generation connection

If the capacity of the generating equipment to be installed on your connection is greater than what is enabled by the fuse size of the existing connection, the consumption connection can be converted into a generation connection. In practice, this means that Caruna draws up a new agreement to convert the consumption connection into a generation connection and your electricity contractor increases the size of the main fuse box in the main distribution board of the connection. 

In accordance with the connection fee and network service rates, we charge the direct network extension costs arising from the implementation of the connection, which include the costs of changing the network protection, as a connection fee for the conversion into a generation connection. We always calculate the costs on a case-by-case basis, depending on the size of the generating equipment and any network construction measures.

Our expert will contact you for concluding agreements, if necessary.

Example 1

You are planning a solar power plant with a capacity of 6 kW, and the fuse size of the connection is 3x25A (17 kW): you can connect the generating equipment to the network without reviewing the connectivity, any changes to fuses or the connection contract.

Example 2

You are planning a solar power plant with a capacity of 20 kW, and the fuse size of the connection is 3x25A (17 kW): check the connectivity of the generating equipment from our customer service agent in advance via the chat feature before you make the purchase. Deploying the equipment will require changes to fuses and the connection contract.

Check the table for the maximum output power of the fuse size corresponding to the connection right of the connection. 

If you do not know the size of the connection rights of your connection, you can check it on Caruna+. If the details about the connection contract are now shown in our service, it is possible that the owner of the electricity connection has not been updated to Caruna, for example in connection with a property transaction. If the connection should be in your ownership, submit a change of ownership form to bring the electricity connection into your name.

New generation connection

Connecting generating equipment to the network requires an electricity connection. If one does not already exist, order a new connection for the deployment of the generating equipment.

Typically, new connections are ordered for generating equipment when the primary purpose of the generating equipment is to produce electricity and sell it to the market, and consumption is limited to the amount of self-use of the generation. For example, for solar and wind farms, a new generation connection is often made.

We will identify a suitable connection point for a new generation connection in the existing network based on the power of the generating equipment. If necessary, we will build a new connection point right up to the boundary of the plot, which means that the delivery time for the connection will be a few months. As a customer, you must take care of the electrification of your plot from the connection point onwards with the help of your electricity contractor. The internal electrification of the plot includes the purchase and installation of a connection line and main distribution board in the same way as for new consumption connections.

In accordance with the connection fee and network service rates, we charge the direct network extension costs arising from the implementation of the connection, which include the costs of changing the network protection, as a connection fee for a new generation connection. We always calculate the costs on a case-by-case basis, depending on the size of the generating equipment and any network construction measures.

Professional electricity generation – Output exceeding 2 MVA

Large power plants generate electrical energy for the Finnish electricity market.  Examples of power plants include large wind and solar farms, generators and, in the future, electricity storage facilities.

Electricity network connections for generating equipment are investigated on a case-by-case basis. A representative of the customer should contact our experts in good time so that the preconditions for connecting the generating plant to the network can be analysed. All power plants connecting to the network must satisfy Fingrid's technical system requirements (VJV). Fingrid's SJV requirements apply to network energy storage systems.

The network construction work may take from six months to several years. The duration depends on the scope of the project, the geographical location and the capacity of the electricity network.

If the desired connection capacity is not available, we can propose connecting the power plant at a lower capacity or study an alternative connection point for the connection.

The pricing of connections is determined according to the costs of building the network and the capacity reservation fee.

Generating plants with a connection capacity of 2–5 MVA can connect to Caruna's medium-voltage distribution network. In such cases, we will typically build a customer switching substation up to the plot boundary, and the customer's connection line can connect to this using an in-feed. Caruna's switching substation will contain a remotely operated circuit-breaker cell equipped with energy metering and protection relays for the customer's connection.

In general, generating plants with a connection capacity of more than 5 MVA have a dedicated connection line to a dedicated 20 kV circuit-breaker cell at a Caruna substation or to the 110 kV high-voltage distribution network.

We need at least the following information to determine whether a generating plant can be connected to the network:

• Planned method of generation
• Planned generation output and the potential staggered growth over a five-year period
• Whether a backed-up connection is required
• Maps of the potential locations of the investment, showing the planned location of the customer's equipment on the real estate
• The connecting party's name and contact details
• Additional information about the investment timetable, town planning and permits related to the project

You can provide the aforementioned information to Caruna's contractor service team or key accounts team.

All generating equipment or electricity storage systems connected to the network must fulfil Fingrid's applicable technical system requirements (VJV and SJV), depending on the type of power plant and electricity storage system (type A, B, C or D).

• Grid Code Specifications for Power Generating Facilities (VJV2018) (Fingrid)
• Grid Code Specifications for Electrical Storage Facilities (SJV2019) (Fingrid)