MANDATORY CCI (Central Plant Controller): ARERA’s new rule for MV PV systems ≥ 100 kw (P ≥ 100 kw)

Key points of the resolution

Published on August 5, 2025, the primary goal of this resolution is to ensure the safety and stability of the National Electricity System (SEN), making the management of plants more effective and rapid, especially in situations of emergency or grid imbalance (such as peaks in renewable production). In summary:

1. Extension of the Central Plant Controller (CCI) Obligation:
   
   1. The mandate to install a CCI, previously required only for the largest plants (above 1 MW), is now extended to all wind and photovoltaic plants with power ≥100 kW connected to the MV (medium voltage) grid, whether they are new or existing.
   2. The CCI is an essential device for real-time communication and control of the plant by the Distributor or Terna.
2. Mandatory PF2 Function:
   
   1. For plants above 100 kW connected in MT, the PF2 functionality (or “Active Power Limitation upon external command”) is made mandatory. This allows the plant to reduce its production upon command from the Distribution System Operator (DSO) or Terna, ensuring greater grid stability.
3. New Deadlines for Compliance: The resolution sets precise deadlines for the compliance of existing plants:
   1. Plants ≥1 MW: by February 28, 2026
   2. Plants ≥500 kW and <1 MW: by February 28, 2027
   3. Plants ≥100 kW and <500 kW: by March 31, 2027
   4. For new plants, the obligation is immediate (at the time of commissioning)
4. Economic Contributions: Flat-rate contributions are provided to partially cover the costs of compliance for existing plants smaller than 1 MW, with the amount decreasing based on how quickly the adjustment is made.

In summary, ARERA 385/2025/R/EEL mandates a significant technological upgrade for a large segment of renewable energy producers, making their plants more controllable and actively involved in managing the security of the electricity grid.

The Central Plant Controller (CCI): what it is and why it is mandatory

As stated, the Central Plant Controller (CCI) is the “digital brain” of the photovoltaic system. It is a supervisory and control device, defined by the CEI 0-16 standard, whose main function is to ensure the observability and remote controllability of the plant.

The core of this compliance is the activation of the PF2 function (Functional Performance 2), which obligates the plant to limit active power upon an external command given by the Distribution System Operator (DSO) or Terna. This modulation capability is vital for preventing operational criticalities in the National Electricity System (SEN).

To whom does the obligation apply?

The obligation concerns all photovoltaic plants (existing or new) with a capacity equal to or greater than 100 kW connected at MV (Medium Voltage). Here in Puglia and Basilicata, this affects over 6,400 industrial, agricultural, and commercial plants that must comply.

Incentives and consequences: the ARERA contribution

The regulation introduces an incentive mechanism for rapid compliance and, conversely, severe penalties for non-compliance.

To support the compliance costs for existing plants with a capacity below 1 MW, ARERA has provided a scaled flat-rate contribution (premium), disbursed by the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and settled on behalf of the Cassa per i Servizi Energetici e Ambientali (CSEA).

Attention: Failure to meet the deadlines for submitting the communication of completed compliance will result in the progressive loss of the right to the contribution.

The risk of non-compliance: payment suspension!

Ignoring the Resolution is not an option. The consequences of non-compliance within the established deadlines are immediate and severe:

1. Suspension of GSE Incentives: The Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) will block the disbursement of all payments, including those related to Conto Energia, Scambio sul Posto (Net Metering), or Ritiro Dedicato (Dedicated Withdrawal).
2. Failure to Value Energy: The energy injected into the grid by your plant will not be paid for.
3. Possible Disconnection: In the most severe cases, the plant may be disconnected by the Distributor.

Southenergy: your strategic partner for compliance

The joint management of technical aspects (CCI, PF2, CEI 0-16) and regulatory aspects (DSO/CSEA procedures) requires specialized expertise and a high level of operational coverage. Our “Turnkey” CCI service provides 360-degree management of technical and regulatory aspects, maximizing field competence and economic return for the client.

• Specialized Regulatory Consulting: Preliminary analysis of plants and verification of the obligation, with precise framing of applicable deadlines.
• Qualified In-House Technical Team: Design, supply, and installation of the CCI and communication equipment (compliant with CEI 0-16 and Terna/DSO requirements) carried out by direct technical personnel, ensuring high execution standards.
• Integrated Procedure Management: We handle the entire bureaucratic process, from updating the Operating Regulation to submitting the Declaration of Completed Compliance to the Distributor, ensuring access to the maximum available ARERA contribution.
• Territorial Coverage: Our deep-rooted presence in the Southern regions allows for rapid and efficient interventions, which is essential for meeting the temporal windows that guarantee the maximum premium.

Do not wait for the deadline to approach and the contribution to decrease. Trust Southenergy: your energy never stops.