Distribution network operator

A distribution network operators (including distribution network operator in Germany according to the Energy Industry Act ( Energy Act ) and distribution system operators ( DSOs ). Engl Distribution System Operator ( DSO) ) is a company, the electricity, or gas distribution networks to end users ( households and small consumers ) operates.

Background

In the electricity and gas distribution industry have generally a high degree of meshing with a highly branched structure and relatively low energy flows. Their operation is therefore specific, that is, based on the distributed amount of energy more expensive than the operation of transmission or gas transmission networks.

Distribution system operators must demonstrate their networks without discrimination to all suppliers against user fees is available. According to the Energy Industry Act ( Energy Act ) the operation of distribution must be of a certain size by a legally independent company carried (so-called unbundling, including unbundling ) and may therefore split off from the trade and production function of an energy supplier. Legally, there is no claim (more ) that a distribution network operator in a given area exclusively operates distribution equipment.

Distribution system operators in the electricity market

A distribution system operator shall maintain power grids in the low -, medium-voltage range and sections on the upper network levels in high and extra high voltage ( 110 kV, in urban areas partly 380 kV) to the regional power supply.

A distribution network operator is thus the complement piece to the transmission system operator (English Transmission System Operator, short TSO ), the current over long distances in high voltage networks, transmits, for the safe and reliable operation of low-voltage systems and medium voltage networks in a given area and to connect with other electricity systems responsible is, as far as it is an energy supply network of universal coverage in accordance with § 3 No. 17 of the Energy Act.

Distribution system operators in the gas market

Also in the gas industry referred VNB the operator of a network for retail supply. The end users are typically most households and small consumers connected to low pressure. The network itself is depending on the size and spatial extent of the DSO at a pressure of typically 4 bar until bar operated for large DSOs to 16. However, industrial customers and power plants can also be connected in medium or high pressure. Antonym for VNB is transported at high pressure up to 100 bar over long distances, the transmission system operator (short FNB ) of the gas. Medium network operators depending on whether the emphasis in the distribution of gas is to end customers or in the transport of gas to downstream DNO, also known as regional DSOs or designated regional FNB.

Typology of operators

Distribution network operators typically belong to a local or municipal energy utilities such as a city work, but partly also one of the major energy companies, which often have acquired such networks in the course of privatization. As part of the so-called municipal ownership, however, some local authorities are planning to buy back the Strom-/Gasnetze. Since not only the power of disposal over a network, but also a concession for its operation is necessary for the operation of a distribution network, local authorities can pursue as Forgiver this same concessions in existing concession contracts have expired influence on the concessionaire. As a result, this can lead to a restitution formerly sold networks.