Technical Connection Approval (ATR): what it is, how to get it, how long it takes
The Technical Connection Approval (ATR) is one of the most important documents in the process of obtaining an electrical connection (bransament). Without the ATR you cannot sign the grid connection (racordare) contract, you cannot carry out the works and you cannot energise (punere sub tensiune) the consumption point. In this guide we explain what the ATR is, what it contains, how you obtain it from Retele Electrice Romania S.A. (formerly E-Distributie Muntenia / Enel) and how long it takes to be issued.
What the Technical Connection Approval (ATR) is
The ATR is the official document through which the distribution operator responds to your grid connection (racordare) request. In practice, after analysing the location, the requested power and the existing electrical network in the area, the operator establishes the technical solution by which your consumption point will be connected to the distribution network and calculates the connection tariff.
The Technical Connection Approval is the moment when you find out the real price of the grid connection (the operator’s fee), separately from the cost of designing and carrying out the connection (bransament). This is why the final price of a connection cannot be guaranteed 100% before the ATR is issued. The estimates you receive at the beginning (for example, a three-phase connection from 2,900 lei labour plus materials) cover the works themselves, but not the operator’s fees that appear in the ATR.
The ATR also has a limited period of validity. If you do not sign the grid connection (racordare) contract within the stated deadline, the approval loses its validity and the process must be started again.
What an ATR contains
A Technical Connection Approval usually includes the following elements:
- Consumption point details – address, beneficiary, request number;
- Approved power – the maximum simultaneously absorbed power (kW) and the type of supply (single-phase or three-phase);
- The technical connection solution – the method of connecting to the network (overhead, underground), the connection point and the length of the connection (bransament);
- The connection tariff – the amount you pay the operator for the grid connection;
- The technical conditions – requirements regarding the utilisation installation, the metering set, any network works;
- The validity period – the period within which you can sign the grid connection (racordare) contract;
- Approvals and consents required, where applicable (for example, for road or property crossings).
Based on this information, the design and the execution documentation for the connection (bransament) are then drawn up.
How to obtain the ATR: the steps
The ATR is step 2 in the complete grid connection (racordare) process. Here is how everything unfolds, from the request to energisation (punere sub tensiune).
1. Preparing the grid connection request and the documents
Before anything else, you must submit a grid connection (racordare) request accompanied by documents: identity document / company registration certificate (for businesses), proof of ownership of the land/building, urban planning certificate (where applicable), site plan and area location plan, plus a description of the utilisation installation (the requested power). This stage is part of the connection dossier that we can put together for you.
2. Submitting the request to the operator and issuing the ATR
The complete request is submitted to Retele Electrice Romania S.A.. The operator analyses the request, checks the network in the area and issues the Technical Connection Approval with the technical solution and the tariff. You can find further details about this service on the Technical Connection Approval (ATR) page.
3. Signing the grid connection contract
After you receive the ATR and agree with the solution and the tariff, you sign the grid connection (racordare) contract and pay the connection tariff to the operator.
4. Design and execution
Next comes the drawing up of the technical design and the actual execution of the connection (bransament) by an ANRE-certified company (such as SUN WATT SRL). At this stage the panel and the connection installation are also fitted.
5. The DIU dossier
After execution, the DIU Dossier (Utilisation Installation Dossier / proof of internal installation) is drawn up and submitted, confirming that the internal installation is compliant and can be safely energised.
6. Fitting the meter and energisation
Finally, the operator fits the meter and energises (punere sub tensiune) the consumption point. From here you can conclude the supply contract with an energy supplier.
Table: the connection stages and the role of the ATR
| Stage | What happens | Who does it | Indicative duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Request + documents | Preparing and submitting the connection dossier | Beneficiary / certified company | 1-5 days |
| 2. ATR | Issuing the Technical Connection Approval (solution + tariff) | Retele Electrice Romania | 10-30 working days |
| 3. Connection contract | Signing the contract and paying the connection tariff | Beneficiary + operator | 1-10 days |
| 4. Design + execution | Technical design and connection installation | ANRE-certified company | 1-4 weeks |
| 5. DIU | Drawing up and submitting the DIU Dossier | ANRE-certified company | 2-7 days |
| 6. Meter + energising | Fitting the meter and energisation | Operator | 5-15 days |
The deadlines above are indicative and may vary depending on the type of connection (single-phase, three-phase, underground), the complexity of the technical solution and the operator’s workload.
How long the ATR takes to be issued
In accordance with ANRE regulations, the distribution operator has a legal deadline for issuing the ATR, which depends on the type and complexity of the grid connection. For simple connections (for example, a single-phase connection to a dwelling), the deadline is shorter; for those requiring network extensions or additional approvals, the duration increases. As a guide, we are talking about approximately 10-30 working days from the submission of a complete and correct request.
The most frequent reason for delay is an incomplete dossier or one containing errors. This is why we recommend that the documentation be prepared by an experienced company, so that you avoid returns and requests for additional information.
Costs related to the ATR
The price of the grid connection is made up of two distinct parts:
| Component | What it covers | From (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection tariff (in the ATR) | The fee of the operator Retele Electrice Romania | Set through the ATR |
| Connection dossier / design | Drawing up the technical documentation | 900 lei |
| Single-phase connection execution | Labour + materials | 1,800 lei |
| Three-phase connection execution | Labour + materials | 2,900 lei |
| Underground connection | Labour + materials | 3,500 lei |
| DIU Dossier | The utilisation installation documentation | 1,200 lei |
The connection tariff itself is the one communicated through the ATR and cannot be estimated exactly in advance. For an estimate of the total cost of the works you can use our connection cost calculator or you can consult the prices page.
Why you should leave the ATR to a certified company
SUN WATT SRL is an ANRE-certified company for the execution and design of electrical connections in Bucharest, Ilfov and Giurgiu, with DIU dossiers prepared throughout the country. We handle the entire process: from preparing the grid connection (racordare) request and submitting it to Retele Electrice Romania S.A., to obtaining the ATR, design, execution, DIU and right through to energisation (punere sub tensiune).
This way you avoid pointless trips, repeated additional submissions and wasted time. You call once, and we take care of the rest.
For a free assessment of your situation and an indicative estimate, contact us or call 0733 097 440.