Electricity distribution networks

Since 1999, when the French electricity market was first partially opened up, and since February 10, 2000, when the first law organizing the electricity market was published, known as the Law on the Modernization and Development of the Public Electricity Service (Law 2000-108), the notions of distributor, energy supplier and network operator have been largely clarified and stabilized, and it is now interesting to detail the puzzle that makes up this open market. This dossier zooms in on distribution networks and the distribution network operator, the second theme bringing the dynamics of operation to the more descriptive and static first theme.

Distribution networks are essentially defined by two elements: their upstream and downstream limits, and their consistency. This is an opportunity to recall the major technical choices that are detailed in the following files [D 4 210] and [D 4 220] .

The network operator's missions define how the network will live and interact with the world around it.

These missions require specific technical resources, which are presented below.

Unlike the period 1946-2000, when there was little legislation on electricity distribution, the period since 2000 has seen five successive laws passed (see box), accompanied by their implementing decrees.

Over and above questions of electricity market organization, the current period is marked by profound changes:

• energy policy guidelines (European Directive 2001/77/EC: 22.1% target for electricity generated from renewable energy sources) are driving growth in electricity generation from renewable sources, via facilities that are generally connected to distribution networks (wind power, photovoltaics). The connection of the latter is the subject of the [D 4 241] and