This study explores different practices for accelerating the integration of generating facilities to the electricity network using smart solutions. Case studies from Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the Unites States of America were selected. The paper assesses and compares the different Principles of Access that have been implemented in these countries, such as Last-in First-out (LIFO), Pro Rata and Market-Based. The social optimality of these approaches is also discussed. The paper also evaluates how the risk (regarding curtailment and investment) is allocated between parties (distribution network operators, generators and customers). Even though the cases are diverse, important findings and lessons have been identified which may assist distribution network operators to address the issue of increasing the connection of distributed generation while managing efficiently and economically energy exports from generators. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.