In the course of the implementation of the third liberalization package adopted by the EU in 2009, the ElWOG 2010, which came into force on March 3rd 2011, was issued during the national implementation.

According to § 29a i.V.m § 29 Abs 1 lit p. ElWiG 2011, the transmission system operator has to annually provide a ten-year network development plan to the regulation authority. The network development plan has to be in agreement with regional plans and network development plans throughout the Community and has to be consulted with all relevant market participants.

In the interest of the security of supply, the construction and maintenance of the necessary network infrastructure, including possibilities for linkage, should contribute to a stable supply of electricity. The procedure of setting up a network development plan is clearly specified.