S.L. 545.34 Art. 28Tasks of distribution system operators. 

(1) The distribution system operator shall be responsible for ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands for the distribution of electricity, for operating, maintaining and developing under economic conditions a secure, reliable and efficient electricity distribution system in Malta with due regard for the environment and energy efficiency.

(2) In any event, the distribution system operator shall not discriminate between system users or classes of system users, including renewable energy communities and citizen energy communities, in particular in favour of its related undertakings.

(3) (a) The distribution system operator shall provide system users with the information they need for efficient access to, including use of the system. In particular, distribution system operators shall publish in a transparent manner clear information on the capacity available for new connections in their area of operation with high spatial granularity, respecting public security and data confidentiality, including the capacity under connection request and the possibility of flexible connection in congested areas. The publication shall include information on the criteria for the calculation of the available capacity for new connections. Distribution system operators shall update such information on a regular basis, at least every three (3) months.

(b) Distribution system operators shall provide in a transparent manner clear information to system users about the status and treatment of their connection requests. They shall provide such information within three (3) months of the submission of the request. Where the requested connection is neither granted nor permanently rejected, distribution system operators shall update that information on a regular basis, at least every three (3) months.

(c) Distribution system operators shall provide system users the option to request grid connection and submit relevant documents exclusively in digital form.

(4) The distribution system operator, when dispatching generating installations shall give priority to generating installations using renewable sources or using high-efficiency cogeneration, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943:

Provided that priority dispatch shall continue to apply for all intermittent renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration until such time that a liquid intra-day wholesale market is developed.

(5) Each distribution system operator shall act as a neutral market facilitator in procuring the energy it uses to cover energy losses in its system in accordance with transparent, non-discriminatory and market-based procedures, whenever it has such a function.

(6) The distribution system operator shall be responsible for the procurement of products and services necessary for the efficient, reliable and secure operation of the distribution system. The rules adopted by the distribution system operator for that purpose shall be objective, transparent and non-discriminatory, and shall be developed in coordination with transmission system operators and other relevant market participants. The terms and conditions, including rules and tariffs, where applicable, for the provision of such products and services to distribution system operators shall be established in accordance with regulation 47(4) in a non-discriminatory and cost-reflective way and shall be published.

(7) In performing the tasks referred to in sub-regulation (6), the distribution system operator shall procure the non- frequency ancillary services needed for its system in accordance with transparent, non-discriminatory and market-based procedures, unless the Regulator has assessed that the market-based provision of non-frequency ancillary services is economically not efficient and has granted a derogation. The obligation to procure non-frequency ancillary services does not apply to fully integrated network components.

(8) The procurement of the products and services referred to in sub-regulation (6) shall ensure the effective participation of all qualified market participants, including market participants offering energy from renewable sources, market participants engaged in demand response, operators of energy storage facilities and market participants engaged in aggregation. In particular, the Regulator and the distribution system operator, in close cooperation with all market participants, as well as transmission system operators, shall establish the technical requirements for participation in those markets on the basis of the technical characteristics of those markets and the capabilities of all market participants.

(9) The distribution system operator shall cooperate with transmission system operators for the effective participation of market participants connected to their grid in retail, wholesale and balancing markets. Delivery of balancing services stemming from resources located in the distribution system shall be agreed with the relevant transmission system operator in accordance with Article 57 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and Article 182 of Commission Regulation

(EU) 2017/1485.

(10) The distribution system operators may perform activities other than those provided for in these regulations and in Regulation

(EU) 2019/943, where such activities are necessary for the distribution system operators to fulfil their obligations under these regulations or Regulation (EU) 2019/943, provided that the Regulator has assessed the necessity of such a derogation. This sub-regulation shall be without prejudice to the right of the distribution system operator to own, develop, manage or operate networks other than electricity networks where the distribution system operator has been granted such a right.