Definition
The connection obligation is the legal duty imposed on grid companies to grant access to the electricity network to all who wish it, against payment of cost-reflective grid contributions and grid tariffsFees charged by grid companies for electricity transport, regulated by the regulatory authority under the revenue cap system.. The obligation applies to consumers, generators (including solar panel owners and wind power producers) and market actors alike. The connection obligation is enshrined in the Energy Act and is the foundation for the open and non-discriminatory nature of the Norwegian power market. The grid companyCompany that owns and operates electricity grids and is responsible for power supply to end users. cannot prioritise certain actors over others, and all must pay equally for equivalent services. For new renewable generation (offshore windWind turbines located at sea - provides higher and more stable production than land-based wind power, but with higher installation costs., solar energyElectrical energy produced from sunlight via solar panels (PV installations).), the connection obligation is decisive - grid companies are in principle obliged to expand the grid to accommodate new generation, even where this entails significant investment. NVENorway's Directorate of Water Resources and Energy - regulates the electricity and water resources sectors. and RMENorwegian Energy Regulatory Authority - government authority that regulates grid operations and energy markets. supervise compliance with the connection obligation.