Process stages

The grid connection process is divided into stages, which represents natural scope limits for the product development. These partly follows a natural sequence of dependency, and partly permits parallel progression. The following table and figure summarises our current understanding of the process:

Stages, Features and User Stories

Each process stage will be described with user stories in separate sections. Use the sidebar to navigate these sections, but please make sure that you have read up on the terms and definitions and user roles, before engaging with the user stories. The user stories are only maintained in Jira, but preview cards are included in the process stage feature descriptions. Here we give a brief summary of each step and the important milestones that determine the boundary between the stages.

Each stage is associated with a set of features, which again contains a set of user needs formulated as user stories that can be released to the users as a functional package. Every such package should be self-contained, so that it provides real value to the users. Features will typically be related in a dependence tree, so that progressively introduced features depends on functionality delivered in earlier feature releases. However, some features which are not part of the core feature, but rather improvements designed to provide extra functionality or usability, may cross several stages.

The exploration / guidance stages are considered out of scope for the team, as it is in the domain covered by WattApp. The remaining stages are part of the product that has been developed.

Request | Assess request

The request and assessment stages start when a customer submits a connection request through the TILKO portal. On receiving the request, the case handlers must use the portal to coordinate with the grid companies involved. They must assess if there is available capacity in their grids, or if actions are required. Once the assessment is complete, the concessionaire identified as the case manager (see Roles) submits a response to the applicant. The response include availability, cost and time estimates from all relevant grid owners, in addition to a written explanation. If these are acceptable to the applicant, the process continues to the next stage.

Apply | Assess application

In the application and assessment stages the final customer must submit more extensive information (modenhetsinformasjon), as needed for a full evaluation of the case (modenhetsvurdering). This includes project timeline, documented rights to the property intended for industrial purposes and more detailed information about the capacity need (size & time aspects). This information package is called the “application”. The case manager evaluates the application completeness and thereby “qualify” the applicants project. If the application is qualified, the case handlers of the other relevant grid owners at the different levels is informed, and perform a new assessment (DF-vurdering) to establish what kind of offer can be made available for the applicant.

Commit, Manage

The third stage is all about aligning the parties involved on the path to a connection (stage 4). This involves a series of different contracts used to coordinate the progress and obligations that apply at different states in this stage. Which contracts that are used and when they come into play depend on the capacity status in the grid at the relevant point of connection.

Connect, Assign
The final step of connecting the customer to the grid that includes the signing of a grid connection contract.