It is possible to connect your own electricity generation to the distribution network and sell the electricity left over from your own use to the electricity provider of your choice. For small-scale generation, it is not necessary to build a new or reinforce the existing electricity network if the generator is connected to the point of electricity consumption and the connected power is lower than the capacity of the point of consumption. If the generation capacity exceeds the size of the point of consumption, the network may need to be upgraded. Possible network reinforcement measures must be taken into account in the planning phase.

When you are planning to purchase your own small-scale generation equipment and connecting it to the network, follow the next three steps. If you are planning to purchase generation equipment with a capacity of more than 100 kVA and connect it to the network, please contact our technical support.

1. Acquisition of generation equipment and permits

Before purchasing small-scale generation equipment, find out what permits you will need and whether the equipment can be connected to the distribution network.

Make sure the equipment can be connected to Oulun Energia Sähköverkko Oy’s network before purchasing the equipment. The generation equipment and installation must meet the following requirements:

• The generator must meet the recommendations of Finnish Energy, the German standard VDE-AR-N 4105:2011, or the micro-production standard EN50438.
• Generation can be separated from the distribution network with a separate lockable isolation switch, to which the network operator, Oulun Energia Sähköverkko Oy, has free access.
• There must be a warning sign on the switchboard of the connection and the generator about the risk of rear feed and guidance on how to disconnect the generator.
• Installations are carried out by a professional electrical contractor.
• Bidirectional electricity metering may require replacing your current electricity meter (free of charge).

Determine if you need a planning or construction permit from your municipal building supervision authority before purchasing any equipment. The requirements vary from municipality to municipality.

• In Oulu, you need a construction permit from the building supervision authority.

Find a buyer for your excess electricity.

• Any excess electricity must be purchased by an electricity provider.

2. Reporting the generator

The construction contractor of the generator must inform Oulun Energia Sähköverkko Oy of the connection of the generator to the site. The notification can be made using the general information form. At the same time, the contractor must declare that the installation complies with electrical safety regulations and technical requirements. We check the provided generator information and, if necessary, ask the contractor for more information. 

We will be in touch and provide the metering point ID of the generation site, so that you can sign a contract for the excess electricity with the electricity provider of your choice. The electricity network contract for small-scale generation will enter into force when we receive information from the electricity provider of your choice about the start of the contract. These contracts are a prerequisite for putting the generator into service. The supply of electricity to the network is prohibited unless there is a buyer for the electricity.

3. Deployment and maintenance

The generator can be put into operation after the excess electricity has a buyer and the electricity network contract for small-scale generation is in force.

Generator maintenance

Remember to keep your generator in good condition even after the equipment has been put into use. The equipment must not cause any disturbance to other users of the electricity network, and the electrical installations and equipment must be in the condition required by regulations.

The contracting parties are obliged, within certain limits, to compensate for damages caused by installations, faulty equipment, or use that do not comply with regulations, rules, and instructions. See Finnish Energy’s recommended online service and connection terms on our "Price lists" page.

Generators and electricity meters

The builder of the electricity generator must check the model of the electricity meter at the place of use.

If the property has an electricity meter that is not able to measure electricity generation, it must be replaced with another model. The meter must be replaced before the generator is put into operation.

Electricity meters for measuring only electricity consumption

When the electricity meter is of either model, it must be replaced with an E350, E450, or E650 electricity meter.

Our other electricity meters measure both electricity generation and consumption.