Distributionssystemoperatører

Distributionssystemoperatører, often abbreviated as DSO, are entities responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of electricity or gas distribution networks. These networks are the physical infrastructure that delivers energy from transmission systems to end consumers. DSOs play a crucial role in ensuring the reliable and safe supply of energy to homes, businesses, and industries.

The primary functions of a DSO include managing the flow of electricity or gas through their network, ensuring voltage and pressure levels are within acceptable limits, and responding to faults or outages to restore service as quickly as possible. They are also responsible for planning and investing in network upgrades and expansions to meet growing demand, integrate new energy sources, and enhance system resilience.

DSOs are typically regulated by national or regional authorities. This regulation often involves setting performance standards, approving investment plans, and determining the tariffs that DSOs can charge for their services. The regulatory framework aims to balance the need for secure and efficient network operation with the affordability of energy for consumers.

In many regions, the electricity and gas markets are unbundled, meaning that the generation and supply of energy are separate from the operation of the distribution network. This separation allows for competition in the energy supply market while maintaining a regulated, neutral operator for the distribution infrastructure. DSOs are therefore obligated to provide non-discriminatory access to their networks for all energy suppliers.