Grid connection

Because your energy requirements may change due to factors such as electrification, solar panels, or expansion, it is important to understand how a grid connection works and when you need to have it adjusted.

What is a grid connection?

A grid connection is the physical and administrative connection between your home or business and the public electricity grid, usually at low voltage. The grid operator supplies electrical energy to your installation via this connection point, and depending on your situation, electricity can also be fed back into the energy grid.

For private individuals, this often involves a low-consumption connection for daily use, such as household appliances, cooking, and charging an electric car. For businesses, this may involve a higher connection value and more power, for example for production lines, cooling installations, or charging infrastructure, sometimes at medium voltage, where the required capacity and availability of grid capacity are particularly important.

Types of grid connections

Not every connection is the same. The type of grid connection you need depends on your energy demand, the desired capacity, the grid structure in your area, and the extent to which you want to expand or feed back into the grid. Below you can read about the most common types of connections and what they mean in practice.

• Single-phase connection: this is a common connection for homes with relatively low consumption. The available capacity is usually sufficient for standard household applications, but can become limited with heavier electrical systems such as a heat pump or multiple charging points.
• Three-phase connection: this connection is suitable when you need more power and want to distribute the load more evenly. Three-phase connections are common in homes with electric heating or heavier equipment, and in businesses where machines or larger installations continuously process energy.
• Small-scale connection: this type is intended for households and smaller businesses. The terms and rates are usually standardized, and you typically have a fixed connection value that suits average usage, with a meter for monitoring consumption and any feed-in.
• Large-scale connection: Large-scale consumers often require customized solutions because their energy demand is higher and the impact on grid load can be greater. The grid operator assesses the required capacity and technical feasibility, partly because some areas have limited capacity due to congestion or limited availability.
• Connection with feed-in option: if you generate your own electricity, for example with solar panels, your connection can be set up to allow feed-in. The connection determines how much you can feed in, what metering equipment is required, and which regulations you must comply with.

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to one key question: what capacity do you need now, and how much flexibility do you want to retain in the future? By clarifying this in advance, you can avoid having to make costly or time-consuming adjustments later on.

Requesting or changing a grid connection: step-by-step plan

Applying for or changing a grid connection requires a clear process, because the grid operator manages the energy grid and must check whether sufficient grid capacity is available. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if upgrading is necessary or if your location is in an area with limited capacity. The steps below will help you to approach the application process in a clear and organized manner.

Step 1: Assess your energy needs and future plans

Start by determining your current and expected consumption. Consider new equipment, electric vehicles, expansion of business activities, or additional installations. This will help you estimate the required power, the desired connection value, and whether your connection is sufficiently scalable for the coming years.

Step 2: Check your current connection and measurement data

Check what connection you currently have and what capacity is contractually agreed. Measurement data from your smart meter or energy management system helps to verify peaks and understand how you use energy throughout the day. This is valuable input for determining whether a change is really necessary.

Step 3: Contact your network operator

The grid operator is responsible for connecting you to the public energy grid. You submit your application or change request there, after which they will assess whether connecting or upgrading is technically possible at your location and how long it will take.

Step 4: select the type of change and provide the necessary information

You can request a new connection, increase the capacity of an existing connection, or in some cases reduce it. You specify, among other things, the type of connection, the capacity you need, where the connection point should be located, and the relevant technical specifications. For business projects, this can also affect planning, for example in the case of new construction or expansion.

Step 5: Evaluate the quote, turnaround time, and terms and conditions

After assessment, you will usually receive a proposal with costs, planning, and technical conditions. Please take into account dependencies on grid capacity, permits, and work in public spaces, which may cause delivery times to vary.

Step 6: implementation, inspection, and commissioning

Once approved, the grid operator will schedule the work. In some situations, an inspection or additional documentation is required to comply with regulations and safety requirements. After that, the connection can be activated and you can start using your installation, including any feed-in if that has been set up.

Make the most of your grid connection with a battery

A battery, such as a home battery or a larger storage installation, can play an important role in the smart use of your grid connection. Instead of drawing peaks in consumption directly from the grid, a battery can temporarily supply energy, reducing the power required at peak times and limiting the load on the grid. This is particularly relevant if your connection is limited, or if upgrading proves slow or costly due to limited grid capacity availability.

Storage can also help with feed-in. When you generate your own energy, the battery can process and store energy at times when feed-in is less desirable, for example due to grid congestion, feed-in restrictions, or to better cover your own consumption. This increases your flexibility: you use more of your own energy at the right time and you are less dependent on direct exchange with the energy grid.

Costs of grid connection

The cost of a grid connection depends on several factors, such as the type of connection, the desired capacity, the required power, and the location. Usually, you will incur one-time costs for installation or modification and periodic costs for maintaining the connection. Upgrading or installing a new connection may require additional work, such as adjusting cables, expanding the connection point, or installing a different metering device.

For large consumers, the costs are often higher because more customization and technical coordination is required, and because the impact on the grid structure and grid load can be greater. The process can also become more complex in areas where grid capacity is limited. Because rates and conditions can vary between grid operators, it is wise to request an up-to-date estimate from your grid operator based on your situation.

Keep checking your network connection

Your grid connection is not a one-time choice, but a foundation on which your installation relies every day. By monitoring your consumption, identifying peaks, and regularly checking whether your connection value and capacity still match your energy demand, you can avoid surprises.

Check your consumption pattern in your meter environment or energy management environment, verify that feed-in is proceeding as expected, and if in doubt, contact your grid operator to verify what has been technically and contractually agreed. Make it a habit to do this periodically so that your connection remains secure, future-proof, and appropriate for your needs.