The National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Utilities (NERC) has changed the rules for connecting new electric and thermal generation facilities to gas networks. Under certain conditions, they will now be able to use the free capacity of already connected consumers if the gas distribution system does not have enough reserve for a new connection.

NERC announced this on November 11. The relevant changes were approved by Resolution No. 1828 dated November 10, 2026.

The new mechanism applies to gas piston, gas turbine, and cogeneration units, as well as block-modular boiler houses that produce electricity or heat.

The main innovation is the ability to connect new generating facilities at the expense of unused capacity of other gas consumers. This will allow avoiding waiting for the expansion of gas networks in cases where their available capacity is insufficient for a new connection.

At the same time, existing consumers retain an unconditional priority to use their own connected capacity. New equipment must not limit their gas consumption or create a threat to the safe operation of the networks.

Under what conditions will connection be allowed

According to the adopted resolution, a special procedure is provided for temporary generating facilities that are part of plans for energy resilience of communities and regions or require urgent connection by decision of authorized bodies.

It is possible to use the capacity of an existing consumer whose facility has a connected gas consumption capacity of at least 1500 cubic meters per hour.

Such connection requires the approval of the gas distribution system operator and the owner or user of the facility whose capacity will be used. The parties must enter into a written agreement that will determine the available gas consumption volume and the conditions of its use.

The customer must also provide documents confirming the need for urgent connection or the facility's inclusion in resilience plans, as well as approvals for land use.

The gas distribution system operator must, within two working days after receiving the application, provide the customer with draft connection agreement and technical conditions. This does not mean completion of physical connection within two days, but it accelerates the initial stage of registration.

For new installations, mandatory automatic gas supply shut-off equipment and commercial metering units with remote data transmission are also provided.

If an existing consumer needs more of their own capacity, the consumption of the temporary facility must be reduced. In case of failure to meet this requirement, it may be disconnected.

Changes will apply during martial law

The resolution entered into force on November 10. The special mechanism for access to gas networks will operate during martial law and for another 12 months after its termination or cancellation.

Continuation of operation of such facilities after this period is possible under separate conditions, in particular with the relevant decision of the military administration and the consent of the capacity owner.

Recall that on October 20, NERC already simplified the obtaining of technical conditions for distributed generation facilities. At that time, the regulator allowed starting the connection procedure without completed registration of property rights to the land plot, subject to necessary approvals.

The new decision removes another obstacle - the lack of available capacity of gas distribution networks.

NERC expects that the changes will help launch small power plants and backup boiler houses faster, needed to maintain electricity and heat supply after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

At the same time, actual launch times will depend on the technical capabilities of the networks, equipment readiness, and fulfillment of connection conditions.

Based on materials: NERC, NERC Resolution No. 1828 dated 10.11.2026, temporary connection procedure