Grid connection made easy: How digitalisation connects energy suppliers and customers

In a world that is rapidly moving towards electrification and renewable energies, grid operators and energy suppliers are facing exciting challenges. The increasing demand for grid connections for electric vehicles, heat pumps and photovoltaic systems requires not only an adaptation of the infrastructure, but also a fundamental overhaul of processes. This is precisely where adesso's grid connection portal comes in - a digital solution that revolutionises the grid connection process and offers real added value for energy suppliers and customers alike.

The need for a digital grid connection portal

The energy transition and the associated expansion of renewable energies has brought legislators onto the scene. From 1 January 2025, grid operators are obliged to provide a digital application route for the grid connection in accordance with Section 8 (7) EEG. This obligation applies not only to conventional grid connections, but also to feed-in systems with an output of up to 30 kilowatts (kW).

What at first glance appears to be an additional expense actually opens up enormous opportunities for a more efficient and customer-friendly grid connection process. The law should be seen as a positive impetus that will drive forward the long overdue digitalisation in this area.

The energy transition is leading to a massive increase in grid connection requests. Whether wallboxes for electric vehicles, heat pumps for climate-friendly heating or photovoltaic systems for generating your own electricity - more and more consumers are becoming prosumers, i.e. producers and consumers of energy at the same time. This development presents grid operators with major challenges that can no longer be overcome with conventional, paper-based processes. The digitalisation of the grid connection is therefore not just an option, but an absolute necessity for forward-looking energy suppliers.

Opportunities and benefits of digitalisation

The implementation of a digital grid connection portal offers numerous advantages that go far beyond the fulfilment of regulatory requirements. Automated data collection and intelligent plausibility checks minimise transmission errors and shorten processing times. Customers benefit from a transparent process status and can view the current processing status of their application at any time, which reduces queries and increases customer satisfaction.

A digital grid connection portal revolutionises the customer journey and creates a completely new customer experience. Thanks to 24/7 availability, customers can submit applications around the clock, regardless of opening hours. An intuitive user interface makes even complex applications understandable and easy to process. Step-by-step instructions guide customers through the application process and minimise errors.

A modern grid connection portal covers the entire life cycle of a grid connection - from the initial connection to changes such as the installation of wallboxes or meter changes through to the integration of feed-in systems and service management. This holistic approach not only creates efficiency on the part of the grid operator, but also real added value for customers, who can handle all grid-related matters via a central platform.

The adesso grid connection portal: a white label solution for the future

With the grid connection portal, adesso has developed a white label solution that is specially tailored to the needs of grid operators and municipal utilities. The solution not only fulfils all current and foreseeable legal requirements, but is also characterised by its flexibility and scalability. Whether a small municipal utility or a large regional network operator - the system grows with the requirements and can be quickly and easily customised to the specific needs and corporate design of the respective company.

Convince yourself of the performance and user-friendliness of the adesso grid connection portal and test our demo version directly at https://demo-starter.netz-serviceportal.de/willkommen

We recommend that you test the portal on your desktop computer as well as on your smartphone or tablet. This way you can experience the full flexibility and responsiveness of our solution. The mobile version is specially optimised so that you can conveniently submit grid connection applications on the move or view the status of ongoing applications at any time.

In this demo version, you can get a comprehensive impression of the portal's intuitive user interface. Simulate the process of applying for a new grid connection from start to finish, for example for a photovoltaic system or a house connection. Experience how simple and efficient the digital future of grid connection can be - in the office, at home or on the move!

The installer portal: integration of technical experts

A special feature of the adesso grid connection portal is the integrated installer portal. This component makes it possible to involve tradespeople and electricians directly in the grid connection process, which is particularly useful for more complex projects such as new builds or extensive renovations.

Installers can register on the portal and enter their qualifications. Following a customer enquiry, orders can be forwarded directly to qualified installers, who can enter relevant technical data directly in the portal and upload documents. A clerk from the network operator checks the data entered and then authorises it. The customer and the grid operator can view the current project status at any time.

This direct involvement of the technical experts leads to a considerable increase in efficiency, improved data quality and ultimately to greater customer satisfaction thanks to smoother and less complicated processes.

Digitalisation as the key to the energy transition

The adesso grid connection portal is more than just a technological innovation - it is a catalyst for the energy transition. By digitalising the grid connection process, it directly addresses the challenges of rising electricity demand and increasing system complexity.

The grid connection portal accelerates grid expansion by automating the application process and providing grid operators with real-time data for better planning of grid operation and expansion. It promotes electromobility by simplifying processes for the installation of charging points in both the private and public sectors.

For the integration of renewable energies, the portal offers prosumers an easy way to connect their systems to the grid. It also supports the expansion of heat pumps by simplifying the necessary grid connection changes.

In addition, the grid connection portal helps to conserve resources: it reduces paper consumption, avoids unnecessary on-site appointments and enables more efficient grid planning. Thanks to the improved overview of network utilisation and planned changes, it indirectly supports network stability.

The adesso grid connection portal thus positions itself as an indispensable tool for grid operators and energy suppliers who want to actively shape the energy transition. It not only offers a solution for current regulatory requirements, but also creates the technological basis for future challenges in the energy industry.

Conclusion: The future of grid connection is digital

The adesso grid connection portal offers energy suppliers and grid operators the opportunity to proactively meet the challenges of the energy transition. The digitalisation of the grid connection process not only fulfils regulatory requirements, but also significantly increases efficiency and saves costs. At the same time, customers benefit from a significantly improved user experience and faster processing times.

The implementation of such a system is not a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’. Energy suppliers that invest in the digitalisation of their processes now will secure a decisive competitive advantage and position themselves as an innovative, customer-oriented company.

Seize the opportunity to actively shape the future of grid connection. Try out the adesso grid connection portal today and experience for yourself how simple and efficient digital transformation can be. Together, we can master the challenges of the energy transition and pave the way to a sustainable future.

Would you like to find out more about exciting topics from the world of adesso? Then take a look at our previously published blog posts.

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