2022-06-02
Baltic states’ electricity grid operators refuse balancing energy from Russia
Since 1 June, the Baltic states’ electricity transmission system operators - “Litgrid” of Lithuania, “Augstprieguma tikls” of Latvia and “Elering” of Estonia - have been balancing the electricity system jointly, while maintaining a balance with the Russian electricity system in line with BRELL standards.
In order to balance the system, i.e. to ensure a balance between generated and consumed electricity, the operators intend to use only reserve capacity from the Baltic states, the Nordic countries and Poland. The measures started to be implemented by the three operators will reduce the Baltic states’ dependence on fast frequency control reserves, which used to be provided by Russia, thus removing the need for technical balancing of Russian power flows in the system.
Until 31 May, the Baltic states in the IPS/UPS electricity system used technical flows of Russian energy to balance the system. This service was provided to the Baltic states’ electricity transmission system operators by the intermediary “Inter RAO Lietuva”.
On 22 May 2022, Russian electricity trading in the Baltic states by the sole supplier “Inter RAO Group” was suspended. The decision to suspend trading was taken by the electricity exchange operator “Nord Pool” on 20 May. Since 22 May, Russian energy in the Baltic states has been replaced by local generation and imports from Western and Nordic countries.
