Municipal planning

Plan the grid connection early in construction and energy projects

For municipalities, the grid connection is not just a technical detail, but a coordination issue between the building administration, property management, specialist planning, the client and BKW.

When municipal buildings are newly constructed, renovated, or expanded with photovoltaics, heat pumps, charging infrastructure or other high-performance systems, additional connected capacity may be required. Private building applications or site developments can also have an impact on grid connection, development, deadlines and approval processes. An early assessment helps to avoid delays in building applications, quotations, ordering, installation and commissioning.

Roles at a glance

Who is involved in the grid connection?

Depending on the project, municipalities can act as the permitting authority, owner, client or coordinator. A clear allocation of roles facilitates planning and implementation.

Municipal administrationThe municipality coordinates internally, reviews building applications and incorporates grid connection topics for municipal buildings or infrastructure projects into the planning process at an early stage.

Clarify requirements earlyFor school buildings, works depots, administrative buildings, sports facilities or charging infrastructure, the required connection capacity should be assessed early on with specialist partners and BKW.

Process

How municipalities support the grid connection process

From the building application to commissioning: clear coordination helps building owners, specialist partners and BKW.

The specific process depends on whether the municipality itself is the developer or is approving a private project. In both cases, complete documentation, technical applications and realistic deadlines are crucial.

Step 1 01Clarify the project and roleClarify whether the municipality is the approval authority, owner, client or coordinator. For municipal buildings, requirements, timelines and internal responsibilities should be defined at an early stage.Step 2 02Submit the connection form with the building applicationFor building applications, the application for an electricity connection is also relevant. BKW reviews the application and submits a statement to the municipality.Step 3 03Have technical connection applications reviewedFor installations with grid impact, the specialist partner submits a technical connection application. This clarifies whether the connection and capacity are possible as planned or whether grid reinforcements will be required.Step 4 04Coordinate quotation, order and project planBKW will prepare a quote including an order form if required. Municipalities should coordinate the order, budget, schedule, civil engineering work and internal approvals.Step 5 05Coordinate installation and commissioningBKW expands the network up to the building. The specialist partner handles installation, final inspection and the safety certificate. Municipalities should ensure that handovers and deadlines are coordinated with site management and operations.

Costs and budget

Budget grid connection costs in good time

For municipal projects, grid connection costs, grid cost contributions and any additional work should be included in the budget and schedule at an early stage.

The costs depend, among other things, on the ordered connection, the rated current, the location and the required infrastructure. For municipal projects, internal budget approvals, public procurement, construction coordination and scheduling dependencies may also be relevant. The actual costs are shown in the BKW quote.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about grid connection for municipalities

Answers for municipal administrations, building authorities and employees involved in municipal property or infrastructure projects.

Many grid connection issues should be clarified early on with the building owner, specialist partner and BKW – especially if capacity is being increased, electricity is being fed in or temporary use is planned.

BKW supports municipal administrations, specialist partners and project managers with questions about grid connection, connection capacity, building applications, temporary connections and commissioning.