nätägare

Nätägare (network owner) is a term used to describe a person or organization that owns and maintains the infrastructure that makes up a network, most commonly utility networks such as electricity distribution grids, gas pipelines, telecommunications networks, or water and sewer systems. The network owner holds the property rights to the physical assets and bears ultimate responsibility for their upkeep and safety, subject to regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities and operations: The network owner is typically responsible for planning, building, operating, and maintaining the network to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service. This includes asset management, routine maintenance, fault response, and expansions to meet demand. They also manage access to the network for other actors—such as electricity suppliers, grid-connected producers, internet service providers, or municipal customers—under rules that aim to be non-discriminatory and transparent. Tariffs or charging rules for network use, safety and environmental compliance, and information sharing about capacity, outages, and protection systems are common duties.

Regulatory framework: Network ownership is usually regulated by public authorities or sector regulators. The rules cover price controls, quality of service targets, safety obligations, and non-discriminatory access. In many regions, regulatory policy encourages separation between network ownership and service provision (unbundling) to prevent preferential treatment of affiliated suppliers.

Context and terminology: Nätägare is a general term and can apply to various sectors beyond electricity, including telecommunications and water. The exact rights, responsibilities, and regulatory duties of a nätägare depend on national or regional law and the specific type of network.