The geographical area around the Bystričany node is currently insufficiently connected with the rest of the Slovak electrical grid. Slovakia needs to ensure the security of the local electricity supply. Some time ago the government informed the European Commission of its plans to provide financial compensation to the electric utility company Slovenské Elektrárne a.s. if the company agrees to a mandatory quota of at least 870 gigawatts hours per year of electricity to the Bystričany node as a temporary public service obligation. Slovenské Elektrárne owns the Nováky power plant located in the area. The output of local, very small-scale hydro power plants largely depends on water flow and seasonal changes. They cannot be used to provide electricity under long-term commitments.
