A new future-proof regulation for electricity distribution in Brussels

The technical regulations are an essential text that sets out the rights and obligations of Sibelga and of users, with regard to all network management activities: from connection requests to meter installation, invoicing and data management. 

This text has been thoroughly revised to incorporate and even anticipate the latest developments in the electricity market: energy sharing, smart meters, charging stations for electric vehicles, the flexibility market, etc.

Working together

To carry out this update, Sibelga organised thematic workshops with all stakeholders at the start of 2023.

Preparing for the future

In particular, the technical regulations have been revised to place greater emphasis on customer rights and to take better account of decentralised energy production.

The following topics are among the changes addressed:

• The deployment of smart meters;
• The communication of consumption data;
• The diversification of contracts at a single access point;
• The multiplication of the types of assets connected to the network.

Better protected customers

The rise of smart meters has highlighted the importance of a more precise definition of the rules governing data communication. One of the aims of the new regulations was therefore to adjust the rights and obligations between Sibelga and its customers, in favour of the latter. 

As a result, we have clarified Sibelga's obligations with regard to the communication of metering data to third parties. We have also defined deadlines in favour of the customer and specified the rules governing the invoicing of consumption by a non-commercial supplier.

Procedures for multiple contracts

Decentralised production is booming, offering endless opportunities for extractions, injections, flexibility services and sharing projects. 

At market level, one of the major new features of this regulation is the introduction of the option to have multiple contracts at a single access point.

A more accessible network

The new regulations now provide clear guidelines for the modes of operation of decentralised production facilities and their connection to the network.

It also encourages greater participation by producers, flexibility providers and participants in sharing projects, with a focus on broadening access to the network.

Would you like to learn more about the changes brought about by the new technical regulations? Don't hesitate to download the full version now.