Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania Notify Russia and Belarus of Exit from Russian Power Grid to Join European Network

The power grid operators of the three Baltic States on Tuesday formally notified Russia and Belarus of their withdrawal from a 2001 agreement under which Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were connected to a Russian-controlled electricity transmission system, AP reports.

The notice of withdrawal was signed in the Latvian capital Riga the day before, on Tuesday, 16 July. This was announced by utility operators Elering from Estonia, AST from Latvia and Litgrid from Lithuania. 

The joint agreement with Russia and Belarus expires on 7 February, and the next day the Baltic systems will be disconnected from the grid.

The Baltic States have already stopped buying electricity from Russia, but remain physically connected to the Russian grid, whose frequency is controlled by Russia under the 2001 BRELL agreement. 

Under a plan announced last year as part of moves to sever ties with Russia following its military invasion of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will move their grid connections next February to the main power grid of continental Europe to end their dependence on Russia.   

The Baltic systems are scheduled to synchronise with the continental European grid on 9 February 2025. Both systems use 50 Hz alternating current.