Valid Grid Studies
and Investment Planning

Capacity Transparency for More Efficient Grid Connections 

Transparent information about available grid capacity is becoming an essential part of efficient connection processes. DSOs are already required to publish available capacity on their websites and update the information at least quarterly. From 1 January 2027, this requirement will be more clearly embedded in the broader framework for network development and grid connections under the Elsystemförordning (2026:1522). 

This connects long-term network planning with current capacity information. Customers, producers and other connection applicants should be able to understand where capacity is available, where bottlenecks may occur and how existing, planned or conditional connections affect the network. 

To maintain transparent and reliable capacity information, DSOs need: 

• Up-to-date and validated grid data 

• Capacity analyses across relevant voltage levels 

• Geographically detailed information on available capacity and bottlenecks 

• Regular updates reflecting new connections and network changes 

An integrated and continuously updated grid model helps DSOs provide more transparent capacity information while linking connection processes with long-term network development planning. 

Making Available Grid Capacity Visible

To make capacity information more accessible, DSOs can provide customers and project developers with an interactive view of the grid. The Grid Connection Navigator enables users to explore available capacity, compare potential locations and assess connection opportunities before submitting a formal request. 

The tool can be embedded directly into the DSO’s website and configured to display relevant capacity information across defined voltage levels and grid areas. This supports greater transparency for new connections while helping DSOs identify unsuitable or speculative projects at an early stage. 

For smaller connection projects, the Online Connection Check can complement this approach by providing a quick, location-specific assessment for assets such as PV systems, heat pumps and EV chargers. 

Long-Term Planning and Scenario Analysis: Key Challenges for DSOs

The ability to create and evaluate future grid scenarios is becoming essential for DSOs in Sweden. The rapid growth of electrification and large industrial connections makes it increasingly difficult to determine where and when grid capacity will be needed. 
At the same time, many DSOs face challenges due to insufficient data and limited tools for comprehensive grid analysis. The main barriers include:  

• Uncertainty about the location, timing and scale of future demand, generation and connection projects
• Poor or inconsistent data on grid infrastructure, customers and planned connections
• IT system silos with limited communication between NIS, GIS, meter-data and investment-planning systems
• Limited ability to run full-grid simulations across multiple voltage levels, planning years and development scenarios
• Difficulties in comparing grid reinforcement with flexibility services and other alternatives
• Challenges in linking identified bottlenecks and upstream constraints to investment plans and follow-up activities 
  

Traditional NIS and grid calculation tools can assess individual projects or a limited number of scenarios, but often require significant manual effort. This makes it difficult to evaluate the combined impact of new connection types, changing consumption patterns, distributed generation, storage and flexible demand across the entire grid. 
 
As a result, DSOs may struggle to determine which bottlenecks are likely to occur, when action is required and whether reinforcement or flexibility provides the most efficient solution. A reliable, continuously updated grid model is therefore becoming essential for transparent and data-driven network development planning.