Latvia wants uncapped deposits for grid reservations as consumers request 3,229 MW of connections

Latvia's Public Utilities Commission (SPRK) has launched a public consultation on changing the methodology for calculating the security deposit paid by those who reserve capacity on the electricity grid. The aim, according to the regulator, is to use available transmission capacity more efficiently and avoid unjustified reservations for projects whose implementation is uncertain.

What is proposed. For end users connected to the transmission grid, the 100 MW cap would be removed: the deposit would be calculated on the full capacity in the technical requirements, while for requests of up to 100 MW the amount stays the same. For producers and storage operators connected to the transmission grid the 100 MW cap remains, but the deposit would have to be paid within five working days of signing the connection agreement, the point at which capacity is reserved under rules in force since 1 May 2026.

The figures. According to transmission system operator Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST), the total capacity requested by end users for new transmission connections was 3,229 MW in October 2026, and some requests reach several hundred or even thousands of MW. The chair of the SPRK council said a situation in which hundreds of megawatts are reserved for projects with unclear prospects should be avoided.

Context. The current methodology, adopted by SPRK in October 2025 and in force since 10 November 2025, caps the deposit at the amount calculated for 100 MW and requires payment within 60 days of the technical requirements being issued. The 60-day deadline remains for end users connected to the transmission grid and for producers and storage operators connected to the distribution grid. The calculation method and the forms of security, a cash deposit or a financial institution's guarantee, do not change.

What next. Comments can be submitted until 20 November 2026, and the changes are due to take effect on 1 January 2027.

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