The Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for electricity exported to the grid. The REFIT 1 and REFIT 2 schemes, which are now closed for new applications, support onshore wind generation. Applications under the schemes are assessed by my Department.
One of the key requirements to avail of support under the REFIT support schemes is that each REFIT applicant must obtain a valid connection agreement from the relevant system operator before a REFIT letter of support can be provided by my Department. However, the technical procedures and process to obtain a grid connection are managed by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the System Operators and I have no function or role in the matter. The CER is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market.
At the end of 2016, I took a decision to extend the REFIT 2 scheme by issuing a Clarification Notice which offered applicants a degree of flexibility until the end of 2017 to obtain all relevant permits (including a grid connection) and meet the Terms and Conditions of the REFIT scheme. However, as the scheme closed to new applications on 31 December 2015, this flexibility was only provided to applicants that met the conditions of the original Clarification Notice and had applied for support before the closing date of 31 December 2015.
The Gate process, including the Gate 3 process, is an administrative grid connection process managed by the CER in accordance with its regulatory functions. The Gate 3 process is designed to cater for the connection of up to 4,000 MW of renewable and conventional generation projects. The terms and conditions for connection to and use of the transmission and distribution system are implemented by Eirgrid and ESB Networks in accordance with directions issued by the CER.
