Skip to content
Energetics 9 May 2024 approx. 2 min read

Increase in RES connection refusals and new challenges on the Polish energy market

Aleksandra Lindner Author Aleksandra Lindner Partner · Adwokat (Polish advocate) · Court mediator
Increase in RES connection refusals and new challenges on the Polish energy market

Key points of the report:

  1. Monitoring of operators’ activities.

The report highlights the continued role of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) in monitoring the activities of distribution system operators. URE regional offices carried out detailed analyses and inspection procedures (194 procedures) aimed at assessing energy companies’ compliance with regulations regarding the timely issuance of grid connection conditions and analysing cases where such conditions were refused. This data was used to assess the situation and introduce any necessary adjustments to the operators’ activities.

  1. Increase in the number of connection refusals.

In 2023, there was a 6.05% increase in the number of refusals to connect renewable energy installations to the grid compared to the previous year, which translates into a 63.76% increase in connection capacity. This trend is the result of both growing interest in renewable energy investments and technical and economic challenges in adapting existing electricity grids.

  1. The issue of refusals to issue connection conditions.

The Energy Regulatory Office (URE) is conducting a detailed investigation into the reasons for refusals to connect to the grid, which are often linked to a lack of suitable technical or economic conditions. In 2023, nearly half of the refusals (3,568) were due to a lack of technical conditions for a total capacity of approximately 41,839 MW, whilst 2,231 refusals were economically motivated, covering a total capacity of 17,865 MW. The Energy Regulatory Office (URE) emphasises the need for energy companies to immediately notify customers of a refusal to connect, stating the reasons for this decision.

  1. New regulations and obligations for companies:

From December 2022, energy companies must provide applicants with an estimate of the connection fee under non-tariff conditions and the method of its calculation, with the aim of increasing the transparency and fairness of the process.

  1. URE recommendations for the future:

The report contains recommendations regarding changes to regulations that will enable easier and more efficient connection of renewable energy installations to the grid. It highlights the need to separate the rules governing the connection of different types of consumers and generation units, which could eliminate ambiguities and increase flexibility in connecting new generation capacity. The URE also emphasises the need to develop energy storage systems and integrate renewable energy installations with the existing grid infrastructure, which is crucial in the context of the energy market’s growing needs.

The report concludes that the measures and regulations introduced by the URE are a step towards increasing the country’s energy stability and security, whilst supporting the green transition and the development of renewable energy sources.

https://www.ure.gov.pl/pl/urzad/informacje-ogolne/edukacja-i-komunikacja/publikacje/sprawozdania-z-dzialaln/2916,Sprawozdania-z-dzialalnosci-Prezesa-URE.html

A matter in energy or renewables law?

That is where most conversations with a lawyer begin. Describe the matter in your own words. We will check whether we can help and set out the scope, the price and the timing of the advice. The quote commits you to nothing, and you do not need to know the law, that part is on us.

  1. 1
    Talk

    You tell us what is going on, in your own words.

  2. 2
    What next

    We tell you your options and what it costs.

  3. 3
    We act

    You give the go-ahead and the matter is ours.

Would you rather talk right away? Book a consultation.

Aleksandra Lindner
Author
Aleksandra Lindner
Partner · Adwokat (Polish advocate) · Court mediator

Aleksandra Lindner is a Polish advocate (adwokat), a partner at HWW and a court mediator. She advises on corporate matters, M&A transactions, contracts and disputes, and heads the firm’s energy law practice covering electricity, gas, heat and flexibility services. Distinguished in the DGP 2026 Index of Law Firms and Lawyers of the Future in the category “Energy and green transformation”.

Aleksandra Lindner’s experience and publications →
Related practice areas

Related publications

Book a consultation

Book a consultation with one of our lawyers.

Ask for advice Book a consultation