Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka said the proposed amendment to the Energy Law introduces a “transparent and fair” system for granting grid connection conditions. It aims to ensure that new energy projects reflect real investment, not speculative trading.
The reform incorporates recommendations from Europe’s grid operator ENTSO-E following last year’s blackout on the Iberian Peninsula. Poland is the first EU country to implement those guidelines into law.
Motyka said the changes are expected to reduce blackout risks and help lower energy prices in the future.
Under the proposal, grid operators would be required to publish data on available capacity, submitted applications, application statuses, and connection rejections. The bill also expands “cable pooling” — currently allowed only for renewables — to include energy storage and mixed-source facilities.
The law introduces a “power guard” mechanism to prevent consumers from exceeding their contracted capacity. Operators could suspend energy delivery if this limit is violated.
Connection fees will rise: the upfront deposit will increase from PLN 30 to 60 (EUR 7–14) per kilowatt of requested capacity, with a cap of PLN 6 million (EUR 1.4 million). Applicants for connections above 1 kV will also face a new non-refundable processing fee and security deposit.
The bill shortens the validity of connection terms from two years to one and removes a 48-month deadline for completing renewable energy connections. Unused grid capacity will be clawed back, and connection agreements will expire if building permits are not secured on time.
The law also allows grid operators to designate “no-connection zones” with justifications and improvement plans.
A pilot scheme until 2028 would introduce connection capacity auctions for renewables. Electricity producers will also be allowed to sell power generated during commissioning phases.
The legislation includes a right for consumers to sign fixed-price electricity contracts lasting at least one year, offered by all vendors serving over 200,000 customers. Key contract terms must be presented in plain language summaries.
The draft also defines “energy poverty” in line with EU regulations and includes protections against power cuts for affected households. Smart gas meters will become mandatory in new buildings and meter replacements, provided installation is economically justified and cost-free for consumers.
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Source: PAP