Benefits of technical regulation

Application Rules increase transparency and simplify verification processes
The Application Rules developed by VDE FNN are valid nationwide and in many cases replace several individual specifications. As a result, transparency is increased to meet requirements and verification is simplified. When it comes to areas which are handled differently according to the manufacturer or network operator, or for which there are no specific regulations, Application Rules facilitate cooperation between stakeholders .

A universally recognized standard contributes to efficient operations and a targeted development of the power grid.
Uncertainty inefficiencies and duplication of work is all reduced by creating uniform standards. In addition, compliance with the requirements increases the safety and reliability of the grid. Standardization also enables proof of compliance with state-of-the-art technology, since Application Rules can be the basis for conformity tests.

A nationwide set of rules offers security for all parties involved.

Collaboration between all relevant experts leads to more investment and planning security for product developers, manufacturers, grid customers and network operators. It does so by means of exchanging information and promptly recognizing connections and developments. As clear and recognized technological rules, Application Rules are the basis for contracts and provide certain legal certainty. Adherence to Application Rules does not represent a free pass with regard to liability but is an important basis for proof of proper conduct.

With the help of technical regulation, innovative technologies are becoming more system compatible and suitable for daily operation.

Regulations are only effective if they can respond effectively to rapid technological changes. For this reason, the early recognition of developments and a continuous update of the rules are paramount for the development of Application Rules. Application Rules are aimed at a the technical development of the entire system and thus serve as an important common tool for the change from network to system.

Security of supply, legal security and rapid, targeted integration of innovations are important factors for Germany as an industry nation, which are decisively supported by technical regulations. The ability to systematically channel new knowledge and ideas into products, processes and services is crucial to Germany’s economic competitiveness. Standardization serves as a catalyst for innovation and helps to anchor solutions in the energy supply system permanently, so that system stability and security of supply are ensured.

Application Rules clarify the technical requirements from the view of both network and system.

From the view of networks, the increased transparency of the requirements in the Application Rules offers advantages for manufacturers and plant generators. The rules facilitate, for example, market access and simplify follow-up processes and contract negotiations. Reducing the liability risk based on the presumption rule is also a benefit for companies. Application Rules reduce disputes about the need for specific requirements and are therefore important for companies in the energy industry.

Compliance with the regulations increases the security of the customer systems connected to the grid and thus also the safety of grid operation.

Network operators must simplify their network-specific requirements by using nationwide requirements, as many aspects are already covered in the regulations. Application Rules make technical requirements for the safe operation of the grid are made transparent for network operators and third parties, helping increase security in grid operation. In addition to this, on the basis of Application Rules, requirements for the grid can be introduced into European standardization processes at an early stage and thus support the standardization proceedings.

The targeted commissioning of VDE FNN for the creation of regulations takes pressure off lawmakers and ensures necessary expertise and adaptability for innovations.

Private technical regulation on a voluntary basis strengthens the sense of responsibility of self-governance and takes pressure off lawmakers. In this process, the state's responsibility changes from ensuring compliance to providing guarantees in terms of regulation, monitoring and supervision. If, for example, the legislator restricts itself to the definition of protection goals and leaves the technical concretization to a private body for technical regulation, the legislative effort is significantly reduced. This contributes significantly to the reduction of red tape.

Cooperating in the efforts to develop common rules enables experts to share knowledge and experience and recognize developments early on.

Participation in the development of Application Rules has tangible advantages for all parties involved. The work enables direct exchange between experts from different interest groups and specialist circles. Through active participation, technical rules can be co-developed and coordinated in a forward-looking approach, and the interests of each specialist circle can be incorporated.
Through the collaboration with science and research, committees can set the course for the integration of new technologies on the market at an early stage.