The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has approved the regulation that obliges distributors to finance the network connection works to customers, and these costs will be recovered later, through distribution tariffs, according to a press release.

Thus, the distribution operator cannot refuse the connection to the system and is obliged to finance the works for achieving the objectives and pipelines necessary for the connection of the consumers within the perimeter of the administrative-territorial unit for which the public distribution service was concessioned. The term of extension and connection of consumers may not exceed the term of 90 days from the date of obtaining the building permit.

The distribution operator has the obligation to connect all applicants, future household final customers to the distribution system, within 90 days from the date of obtaining the building permit. The recovery of the costs regarding the connection of the domestic clients is achieved through the distribution tariffs.

The works necessary for the connection will be performed by the economic operators authorized by ANRE and selected through competitive, transparent and non-discriminatory procedures by the distribution operator.

Also, the new Regulation facilitates the access to natural gas to an increased number of users and, at the same time, comes in support of future low-income domestic final customers, say ANRE representatives.