Suppliers - Supplier's obligations

OBLIGATIONS FOR THE POWER SUPPLY LICENCE CANDIDATE/HOLDER

In addition to the securing of a supply licence, the supply licence candidate/holder is to conclude an access contract with the distribution network operators and identify a party that will act as an Access Responsible Party.

1. Concluding an access contract with the network operators

Each supplier is to conclude an access contract with the distribution network operator (DNO) in the area or areas where they supply electricity to end users. The supplier is also to conclude an access contract with the DNO on behalf of the end user (network user), in order to prevent the DNO from having to conclude contracts with all involved end users, which would be time-consuming and expensive, especially in terms of communication and invoicing. If the supplier only supplies to the distribution network, the DNO will ensure access to the Elia transmission system. The costs charged by Elia to the DNO will be invoiced to the supplier, who in turn will bill them to the end user (cascade system). The supplier does not sign a direct contract with Elia as the DNO settles access with Elia. The supplier who wishes to access the network, is to request access rights for use and delivery of electricity. It is important to know that a financial guarantee is to be provided to the network operators.

2. Concluding an access contract with Elia for networks between 30 kV and 70 kV

Remark: this only applies to suppliers with customers who are connected to networks between 30 and 70 kV.

The supplier, the network user or the Access Responsible Party concludes a contract with Elia. Whoever signs the contract is irrelevant, since the supplier invoices the rate to the network user. In practise there are few network users who conclude a direct access contract with Elia.

It is important to know that Elia requires a bank guarantee from the supplier. For further details visit www.elia.be

3. Concluding an ARP contract with the network operator Elia (balance)

Regardless of whether a supplier supplies to networks with a tension of less than 30 kV or between 30 and 70 kV, an Access Responsible Party must be designated for each access point. The supplier can act as an Access Responsible Party or designate a party to this effect. It is important for the party to have concluded an Access Responsible Party (ARP) contract with Elia and to be included in the list of Elia's ARPs. For further information visit www.elia.be

OBLIGATIONS FOR THE CANDIDATE/HOLDER OF A NATURAL GAS SUPPLY LICENCE

In addition to obtaining a supply licence, the supply licence candidate/holder is to conclude a contract with the natural gas network operators.

1. Concluding an access contract with the natural gas network operators

Each supplier is to conclude an access contract with the distribution network operator (DNO) in the area or areas where they supply natural gas to end users. The supplier is also to conclude an access contract with the DNO on behalf of the end user (network user), in order to prevent the DNO from having to conclude contracts with all involved end users, which would be time-consuming and expensive, especially in terms of communication and invoicing.

It is important to know that a financial guarantee is to be provided to the natural gas network operators.

2. Conclusion of access contract for the Fluxys transmission network

Access to the transmission system (Fluxys) is regulated by the supplier (non-cascade system). The supplier signs a transmission agreement for the transmission system. The costs for the transmission network charged to the supplier will be invoiced to the end user. It is possible for a transmission system user, instead of the supplier, to conclude a transmission agreement for the transmission system. Supplier and transmission system user will therefore have a cooperation contract.

3. Balance

In contrast to electricity there is no Access Responsible Party for natural gas. The transmission company is responsible for balance on its transmission system. Natural gas operators are responsible for balance on their network. In order to regulate the "balance" on the transmission system, the transmission system user acquires so-called flexibility services. The supplier on the distribution network is responsible for adding as much gas as is used.