Enea Operator is enhancing the flexibility of its distribution network with the introduction of the Reactive Power Emergency Regulation (IRB), effective from August 25, 2025. This new tool aims to manage reactive power flows within the distribution network to maintain proper voltage parameters, particularly as the share of distributed energy sources increases.
Following the March 2023 launch of the Active Power Emergency Supply (IDC) and the implementation of new tariff groups in August for clients managing demand flexibly, the IRB represents another step towards creating a modern and responsive distribution network. The IRB will help manage voltage levels, ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the system, particularly during peak renewable energy generation times.
Enea Operator’s new regulation mechanism will work in collaboration with producers, utilizing the full regulatory potential of wind and solar farms. This will promote optimal conditions for maximizing green energy production. The company’s operations team will maintain the appropriate voltage levels by initiating voltage characteristics, allowing for largely autonomous regulation.
The introduction of the IRB was made possible by legislative changes, including amendments to the Energy Law on July 28, 2023, and updates to the IRiESD approved by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) as part of the update card no. 36/2024, which will take effect on January 7, 2025. These changes enable the implementation of new emergency mechanisms and services that Enea Operator can use to ensure the distribution network functions correctly.
Marek Szymankiewicz, president of Enea Operator, stated that the IRB strengthens their portfolio of flexibility services, developed to respond to the challenges of modern energy. The IRB allows for responsive voltage regulation in the distribution network, contributing to network stability and energy security for customers.
The IRB service involves an emergency adjustment of the reactive power draw or injection beyond the limits defined by the power factor specified in the distribution agreement. Initially, this service will be available to producers connected to the 110 kV network who participate in a tender announced by Enea Operator in September 2023, excluding those connected to 110 kV at NN/110 kV nodes. To provide the IRB service, producers must meet minimum technical requirements outlined in the IRiESD.
Producers who meet these requirements and sign an agreement with Enea Operator after the tender will receive additional compensation for implementing reactive power control commands that exceed standard parameters in their distribution agreements. Moreover, if the execution of the IRB service results in exceeding the contractual power or power factor due to Enea Operator’s commands, there will be no penalties for these exceedances, including fees for exceeding the contractual power limits or reactive power draw.
Enea Operator plans to host a series of free webinars for energy producers interested in collaborating under the IRB framework. These sessions will cover the operation of the service, collaboration conditions, and the benefits of participating in flexibility mechanisms. Further details about the IRB service and related documentation will be available on Enea Operator’s website.
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